With a few music festivals set to take the spotlight in the Foothills over the next few weeks, it's important people stay safe while they have fun.

Following the Chasing Summer music festival in Calgary, Alberta Health Services confirmed that EMS transported 10 women and seven men, between 18 years old to mid-30s, to hospital for drug and alcohol related overdoses.

Naomi Nania, public education officer with AHS, says she knows they can't stop people from using illegal substances, but wants people to be aware and as safe as possible.

"We know that drugs and other substances will be consumed, so we're asking that you know your risk and that you realize that there are deadly consequences with mixing drugs and alcohol together," Nania says. "Unfortunately, at a lot of these festivals substances that are consumed are laced with deadly chemicals as well."

Nania says with sun and extreme heat, it's important festival goers try to limit their alcohol consumption and drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid becoming dehydrated. Wearing sunscreen and hats along with taking breaks from the direct sunlight are also recommended.

With the high volumes of noise at these events, Nania also warns about the damage this can have on ears.

"Wear ear plugs, any kind of ear protection, and not standing in front of the speakers would be a good thing. Also, make sure that you're taking a rest standing away from some of the music festivities so you can give your ears a break."

Nania says when at these festivals it's important to remember a tip many people have heard countless times as a child: use the buddy system.

"Make sure you're going with people you know or friends that you know and if they see anything that looks suspicious or if a friend is just not acting right, definitely contact EMS or find someone on scene that could possibly help."

Longstock Music and Art Festival is scheduled for Aug. 15-16 in Longview and the Southern Alberta Music Festival will take place on Aug. 21-22 in Mossleigh.

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