Thousands of school leavers are making their end-of-year pilgrimage to the Gold Coast as Schoolies celebrations kick off.
Police are increasing their presence at the event despite a downward trend of risk-taking behaviour in recent years.
20,000 teenagers are expected on Surfers Paradise Beach and are being told to keep safety in mind and look out for their friends.
Volunteers from the Safer Schoolies initiative and Red Frogs will be patrolling areas, providing support, and making sure it all runs smoothly.
An emergency treatment centre is also being set up, staffed by a team of doctors, nurses and mental health workers.
