With week one of the huge music festival, Coachella, coming to an end we have some safety tips that you’re able to use for week 2 and other events.
Over the years going to huge events seem to be risky. We are hoping this interview with Ross Cascio will help ease peoples minds on what to look out for when attending events like these. We are incredibly lucky to have Ross’s advice as he is an expert level Krav Maga Worldwide Self-Defense, fitness, fight and kid’s program instructor with over 15 years of teaching and training experience.
With Coachella being such a huge event what is the number one safety rule people should do?
I would suggest that attendees have a buddy or a group of friends that they do not get separated from, or if they do get separated from, they know where you’re going, how to get in touch with you, and when you plan on getting back.
There is a lot of drinking that happens at events like these. How do people stay safe yet have a good time?
This is one of those times that some people only learn through experience, usually a bad experience. Some common sense tips would be to pace yourself with the drinking (limit the amount of shots or chugging) and make sure you are drinking water throughout the day. Alcohol is a depressant and a diuretic…so your mood is going to be affected as is the hydration level in your body. If you are planning on drinking and partying all day long you HAVE to pace yourself and occasionally drink water/eat.
What should someone do if they feel like their safety is in jeopardy?
If you can, remove yourself from the dangerous situation and make sure your group of friends know what is going on. Report the dangerous situation to event staff/authorities immediately. This is also when knowing self-defense skills can come in handy. Try to take a local class or even look up instructional videos online before heading to big events.
What are the top dangers that happen at events like these?
Accidents. Fights/assault/battery. Sexual assault. Overconsumption of alcohol. Theft. Vandalism.
What are the essential safety tips that our readers should know/do?
There really is safety in numbers at events like this. Have friends around that you can trust. Keep the team together during the festival…don’t get separated and don’t let friends get separated. Have a rally point in case someone does get separated and needs to meet. Trust your instincts about people who might seem suspicious or dangerous. Don’t bring super valuable items into large crowds. Keep an eye on your valuables, stowed somewhere people can’t get to them, but you can (front pockets, secured backpacks, etc.) Keep an eye on your drink and your friends’ drinks so you are not slipped anything. Make sure you have food/water/sunscreen, not just alcohol. Take a class at a local Krav Maga Worldwide certified training center so that if you must defend yourself, you have the mindset and ability to fight, win, and go home safe.
In order to make sure we have all of our bases covered Ross has a list of safety tips below that we could use at all events. Also, head over to https://www.kravmaga.com/ for this and much more other information that is useful for everyday life.
Safety Tips
- Usually festivals will have maps available online that show where medical tents, bathrooms and refreshment stalls are. Make a point to review them so you have a better understanding of the layout prior to arriving. Walk around once you do arrive and note areas that you can establish as meet up places in case you get separated from your group.
- Use the buddy system when you want to get food or go to the bathroom. Don’t wander off alone and risk putting yourself in a dangerous situation. Make sure to exchange numbers with everyone in your group that is attending, that way no matter who gets split up you all have a way of contacting each other.
- Carry essential items on you like a reusable water bottle to avoid dehydration, sun block to protect against sun burn and a small portable charger to ensure you have battery life to make a phone call in case of an emergency.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and listen to your gut instinct. It’s always easier to react to a threat if you see it coming then if you were blindsided. It also helps to have at least one sober person in the group that can keep a clear-headed eye on things.
- With the alcohol running freely at most festivals there’s bound to be a drunk person that gets handsy and crosses a line. Prior to heading to your festival, enroll in a basic self-defense class that will not only teach you physical skills, but verbal and body language cues that can help deter assailants. Continuously practice the moves so that they come naturally to you and you can do them on the spot.
