With the upcoming long weekend, Halifax Regional Police are providing some tips to safely enjoy the upcoming summer events in our city.

The start of summer means there will be lots of events happening throughout the region. To learn more about the lineup of events and festivities this summer throughout the municipality, visit https://discoverhalifaxns.com/events/

Tomorrow The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo parade will be starting at 10 a.m. in downtown Halifax and HRP will have officers performing traffic control along the route to help ensure the safety of participants and road users.

Here are some tips to help everyone enjoy our community events to the fullest:

Plan ahead. Check the event’s website to ensure you’re familiar with the venue, its location, and the amenities it has to offer.

Drink lots of water and wear sunscreen and a hat if the event is outside.

If possible, take public transportation. These events draw large crowds, causing heavy traffic and making parking difficult.

If you drink, don’t drive. Alcohol will be served at some of our summer festivals, so it is important to have a designated driver or take public transportation if you plan to indulge.

For parades, ensure you stay back from the parade vehicles. Stay on one side of the street and don’t run across between floats.

Many boaters enjoy summer events from the harbour. Please boat responsibly and appoint a designated ‘skipper.’ Remember that penalties for impaired boating are the same as impaired driving on the road.
If you witness suspicious and/or criminal activity, including impaired driving or impaired boating, call 911 immediately.

It’s easy for little ones to become lost in the midst of a large crowd. Here are a few simple steps parents/guardians can take to help keep their children safe:

When you arrive at an event, agree on a meeting place in case you get separated.
Don’t allow your child to go to a public washroom or concession stand alone.
Carry an up-to-date picture and make note of what your child is wearing.

Here’s to a safe and fun-filled summer season!

Source: Release