Spring Break Safety Tips

Spring break should be a chance for every student to blow off steam, take a break from their studies and (hopefully) reward themselves for all of their hard work the rest of the year. But an essential part of enjoying spring break is making sure everyone stays safe. Whether you are a college kid heading to the Caribbean, a fretful parent watching a group of teenagers drive off to Myrtle Beach or you are a senior spring breaking with your whole class, follow these tips to get the most out of your trip.

Drink Smarter

Hot weather and alcohol don’t mix. You feel the effects of drinking faster when the temperatures climb and when the water’s warm in the pool, ocean or hot tub.

Take your drink with you if you leave a table or bar. You don't want anybody to add anything to your beer or cocktail. And it goes without saying that you should always designate a few buddies to watch your back if you are going to be drinking: they can make sure you are cut off if it becomes necessary and keep you safe it someone tries to take advantage. And check out these additional pointers from RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).

Watch the Weather

Storms can move in fast, so go to a safe place if you see lightning, hear thunder or experience strong winds.

Don't Overshare

Use good judgement when checking in on Facebook and Foursquare and other social media sites and consider changing your privacy settings on your trip.

Stay Hydrated and Healthy

If you are going to drink, don't do it on an empty stomach. And if you are in the sun, drink plenty of water.

Protect Your Gear

Lock your valuables in your trunk or hotel safe.

Swim Safely

If a beach destination is in your sites, make sure you are aware of swimming conditions daily, and check into whether rip tides or unexpected currents could turn a casual swim into an unpleasant situation.

Don’t swim alone, and wear the proper flotation devices for water sports. Also, it should go without saying, but don't drink and swim.

Driving Smarts

Don’t drink and drive, of course, and if you use a taxi, Lyft or Uber driver, check their names, phone numbers, and license numbers against the info you're given when you book.

Be Discrete

Don’t flash your cash or go solo to an ATM.

Use the Buddy System

Stay close to friends, and make sure everyone is always accounted for. And be a good friend whether on spring break or anytime and keep an eye on both the physical and mental health of your buddies. If you see any warning signs of a friend experiencing a mental health crisis, the CDC recommends contacting one of these agencies for help.

Use Sunscreen!

Nothing can ruin a beach vacation more quickly than a painful sunburn. Slather on a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 (higher if you are fair skinned and prone to burn) daily and reapply as often as the sunscreen directions recommend, especially if you go swimming.

Don't Stay on the First Floor

For your personal safety and that of your belongings, Fight Back on Spring Break (which has lots of great safety tips on their site) recommends not staying on a hotel or motel's first floor. And never share your room number or hotel information with strangers.

Traveling Abroad Tips

If you plan to travel outside the U.S., do your homework, and find out if you need a passport and/or visa. Then apply early for any required documentation. An take a photocopy of your passport with you to leave in your hotel safe. If you are traveling to a foreign country don't wear or flash your expensive jewelry, cash and valuables.

The Centers for Disease Control also recommend looking into what kind of vaccines you might need before you travel.