Opinion: Fun police get busy at Christmas

Mark Dawson, Editor of Wanganui Chronicle

Christmas came wrapped - not in bright paper and ribbons, but festooned in warning stickers.

It is a time of year when advice on how to keep safe gushes in a torrent that threatens to wash away any thoughts of having fun.

"Don't drink and drive". For that matter: "Don't drink and fry". Coastguard would probably say: "Don't drink and fish" (as if ... ).

Water Safety NZ is warning us, quite naturally, to keep safe around water. The fire service wants us to take extra care (and get a permit) if engaging in beach fires, or just rubbish burn-offs.

Of course, we all need to watch that we don't over-eat this festive season - the dieticians have put us on notice.

The police want motorists to slow down - 4km/h is the new speed tolerance for summer - while relationship counsellors warn of heightened tensions among families.

For those on a tight budget, the advice is don't over-spend and run up debts you can't pay off in the new year. That's despite the fact that retailers are warning you not to miss out on their Boxing Day bargains.

The Chronicle carried a couple of risk assessment stories last week: Beware soft toys that can carry allergens and dust and set off your kid's asthma; and do not feed your pets sweet festive treats - they are really bad for them.

So there ... we've all been given a good talking to on how to stay safe and well these holidays. Better just stay in bed under the blankets and hope to survive.

Yes, being alive is a risky business; and actually enjoying your life probably riskier still.

It was a contrast to hear British superbike racer Guy Martin - in town for the Cemetery Circuit showdown - tell a Wanganui racecourse audience: "There's far too much focus on health and safety these days. There's virtually nothing dangerous left to do except road racing. I love pushing myself, knowing one slight mistake can kill me."

Mind how you go Guy, eh? And the rest of you ...