With the end of the matric exams in sight, thousands of youngsters will soon descend on KZN and Plettenberg Bay to celebrate the end of their high school career.

Many teenagers will party locally or travel to a rage hotspot between December 1 to 10.

Charnel Hattingh, the group head of marketing and communications at Fidelity Services Group, says that while safety is a priority for event organisers at many of these raves, everyone who attends should take responsibility for their own safety.

Below are her ‘matric rage’ safety tips:

• If you are driving, consider installing a tracking app such as SecureDrive, which updates your location every two seconds and provides real-time live tracking. Knowing exactly where you are means accident alerts can be received in real-time, resulting in faster emergency dispatching.
• Panic button activations will save lives by quickly dispatching response units.
• Before leaving your accommodation, ensure that anything valuable is locked away in a drawer or safe.
• Never carry large amounts of cash or go out wearing flashy or expensive jewellery.
• If your accommodation is a holiday house or apartment, make sure all the doors are locked, the windows are properly shut and the alarm is activated.
• When out at events and activities, be aware of your surroundings and arrange with friends to keep an eye on each other and your belongings.
• If you are approached by a suspicious individual, walk away and report it to the closest security officer or the police.
• Do not accept drinks from strangers and do not leave your drinks unattended. Spiking of drinks is still rife.
• If you leave your accommodation, tell someone where you are going and the time you expect to return. Save their number on your cellphone as an emergency contact and memorise their details.

When it’s time to return to your accommodation:

• Never leave without your friends.
• Do not accept a lift from a stranger. Rather use transport provided by event organisers.
• Driving after drinking is not an option. Call a cab or use event shuttles if they are available.
• Consider appointing a designated driver or someone who agrees not to drink and will be responsible for getting everyone home safely.

“The reality is that matrics will be partying, and they have certainly earned the chance to blow off some steam. Let us encourage them to do it as responsibly as possible,” says Hattingh.

Parents should also consider speaking to their security provider about personal safety apps and services that are available, such as ‘meet and greets’, to ensure peace of mind, she adds.