Spring Break Safety
Feeling the "winter blues"? Too much work and not enough play? Perhaps it's time for Spring Break! Ah, yes… Spring Break!
The time when college campuses start clearing out for the annual pilgrimage to warm weather destinations. For spring
breakers (and parents of spring breakers) there are important pieces of information to keep in mind before taking off for
fun-filled days of play.
The tips you are about to read are important whether you're traveling in or out of the country, but remember that things
can become more complicated when you're not in your native land, so stay alert and play it safe, no matter where you
choose to soak up your rays and release your stress.
Be aware of alcohol poisoning.
When 42 percent of college students in a recent survey admitted they
had gotten drunk sometime in the last two weeks, The Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse termed binge drinking as
the No. 1 substance abuse problem on today's college campuses (About.com, 2004). With binge drinking being common
during 'every day' college life, it is fair to assume that it's more than a common activity during Spring Break.
It is also a major cause of alcohol poisoning. According to a University of Wisconsin study (2004), 75% of college
males and 43.6 if females reported being intoxicated on a daily basis during spring break. 50 percent of men and more
than 40 percent of women reported being drunk to the point of vomiting or passing out at least once during break.
The U.S. Consulate's office also noted that drinking related fatalities can also occur, using the example of the
death of a 20-year-old Harvard student, who had been drinking heavily and fell from a second story balcony.
Other concerns included drunk driving, public intoxication, property destruction, and personal safety. Listed
below are some safety tips for your spring break. Please take them into consideration.
Tips on drinking alcohol:
First and foremost, take care not to consume too much alcohol. Consider the following tips:
- Plan ahead on how much you will drink, set a limit for yourself and a plan to follow-through with that plan. Talk to a friend about when that friend can help intervene and help you return to your hotel.
- Know the drinking laws at your travel destination. You can ask your travel agent for this information.
- If a friend feels sick, you should not leave them alone. And you should expect that your friends will look after you if you are sick. Set up a "buddy system".
- You should not assume that someone you have just met has your best interests at heart. Keep in mind that more people are sexually assaulted by acquaintances rather than by strangers.
- Avoid horseplay or reckless physical activities. Falls from balconies or railings can be fatal. Keep both feet on the ground.
- Be aware that excessive drinking can lead to more instances of violence and sexual assaults.
Other helpful tips:
- Make sure that your family and friends know your departure and arrival times, where you are staying, and the phones numbers of where to reach you. Set regular check-in times and always follow-through with them.
- Always keep your hotel door locked. Never open your door to strangers. You should always leave the hotel with friends, and never walk alone.
- Avoid over exposure to the sun. Use sunscreen (SPF of at least 15), sunglasses, and a hat. You should also drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Always make sure that you are dealing with a reputable travel agent. You should know exactly what you a paying for (hotel, transportation, and food).
References:
University of Wisconsin, Madison (2004). Alcohol data shows little change. Retrieved April 14, 2004 from the World
Wide Web.
Website: http://news2.news.wisc.edu/releases/view.html?id=7251
About.com (2004). The problem is 'binge drinking'. Retrieved February 3, 2005 from the
World Wide Web.
Website: http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/college/a/aa091097.htm
