NT Police urge caution for year’s annual Sandbar party after 2021 chaos

There’s an optimal tide window for this year’s Sandbar revellers as police urge caution ahead of the annual event that has been known to cause chaos.

NT Police have urged Territorians to plan carefully ahead of this weekend’s Sandbar party following the chaotic scenes witnessed at last year’s event.

Chaos unfolded last year when more than 600 punters were caught off guard by the fast-rising high tide at the end of the day’s entertainment.

Party goers scrambled to board boats to safety, needing to evacuate because of a noted lack of vessels at the party.

At least one man was taken to hospital after a confrontation.

>>VALUE FOR MONEY: Get the most our of your digital subscription

It wasn’t easy going on the water either with one boat capsizing while several others collided only 400m from the shore at Cullen Bay.

Police seized and destroyed 300 litres of alcohol.

They also reported a number of collisions between boats on the way back from the sandbar.

The limited number of available boats raised concerns about overloading, which forced police to call for additional resources.

A crowd of partygoers on the Cullen Bay sandbar. Picture: Social media.

The 2022 edition will take place on Sunday with the morning high tide of 7.54m taking place from 7am.

The party’s height will take place around the low tide of 1.37m which is at 1.10pm.

And the tide will rise again to a high of 7.21m at 6.57pm.

Acting Senior Sergeant Anthony Clarke said members would be out on the water conducting marine safety compliance checks on boats heading to the event.

“Vessels that are not compliant with the safety requirements may be directed off the water and the skippers of those vessels may be fined,” he said.

“Water Police would like to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all persons using our waterways and those who may be travelling to and attending the Sandbar party.

“Our wish is for everyone to have a fun day out, but to also to be mindful of their own safety and those around them.”