SA Schoolies attendance down even as police boost presence to increase safety

The impact of the death of Charlie Stevens appears to be lingering over this year's Schoolies celebrations in South Australia, with the number of Year 12s planning to attend the South Coast event well down on recent years.

But police have assured parents they've increased their numbers in a bid to keep everyone safe.

"During the festival period, you'll see more police in the area. We've got a high visibility response," Superintendent Joanne Howard said.

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This heightened police presence appears to be a welcome development for some school leavers. 

"That was one thing that made my friends and I decide that it was a good idea to go," student Gemma Hayward said.

This year's festival will attract close to 4000 leavers – the lowest attendance in years.

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In addition to the bolstered police presence, over 20,000 free bus services will be provided over the weekend, both to and from Adelaide and along the coast.

However, the introduction of pill testing, which was implemented at this year's Schoolies on the Gold Coast, will not be adopted in South Australia.

"There is no safe level for the consumption of illicit substances," Police Minister Dan Cregan said.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.