Spring Break
Spring Break Tips for the Young and Fabulous
By Jennifer Otto
Party, party, party! This is what you hope to remember about Spring Break 2006. Unfortunately, many spring breakers forget their brains at home and quickly become victims of a spring break nightmare.
Spring Break 2006 wants to provide you with the brain that you have temporarily lost. Check out these helpful spring break tips that will make partying much easier!
On the Beach
Going to the beach is the highlight of spring break on the Emerald Coast. Who can resist the emerald green waters, soft white sand and the warmth of the Florida sun? Absolutely no one! However, the beach can be dangerous if the proper precautions are not exercised. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with a few beach survival tips:
- Pay attention to beach flags – these are warning flags that help you understand the surf. Know what the colors mean before you go.
- Green – low hazard, conditions are favorable for swimming
- Yellow – medium hazard, exercise caution
- Red – high hazard, swim at your own risk
- Red over red – water closed to public use
- Purple – dangerous marine life is present
- Tan in short intervals – rather than going for the best tan on the first day of vacation, why not tan for shorter periods of time everyday? About an hour each day with sunscreen is probably your safest bet.
- Avoid the sun during peak hours – the sun is the most dangerous between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear sunscreen whenever possible – if you know you will be in the sun, wear sunscreen. If you still want a tan, an SPF 15 is sufficient. If you are fair skinned, try something in a 30 or 45. Sunscreen prevents painful burns and protects from harmful UV rays. Make sure to reapply sunscreen whenever possible.
- Wear protective gear – sunscreen is not enough. Make sure that you protect your eyes with sunglasses and keep your skin covered when you are not tanning with hats, shirts, socks and shoes.
- Say no to tanning accelerators – unless you like to rub cooking grease on your skin as you lay in the sun, avoid tanning accelerators. They promote burning; it is too early in your life to have to deal with skin cancer.
- Keep awake and alert – sleeping in the sun is very dangerous. Several people throughout the years have died from sun poisoning. If you plan to doze off, make sure you have a friend nearby that can wake you up from time to time to reapply more sunscreen.
- Watch out for rip currents – knowing what to do in a rip current could save you from drowning. When caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore until you reach the beach.
- Drink water – if you plan to be drinking alcoholic beverages in the sun, make sure you drink an equal amount of water to prevent dehydration. Drink water even if you are not thirsty.
For more beach tips, check out Staying Safe on the Beach.
Clubbing It
The sun has set, the restaurants and shops have closed, and you are not ready for the night to end just yet. No worries, because the Emerald Coast is full of clubs and bars that stay open to all hours of the night. Check out the Emerald Coast Nightlife for a list of clubs near you.
Keep in mind that although clubs and bars can be a lot of fun, there are several opportunities for situations to go awry. Read through these tips before hitting the town:
- Bring your ID – if you plan to go out on the town, make sure you have your ID. Even if you are only 18 and do not plan to drink, you are not welcome in clubs until your ID is checked. Most clubs mark the 18-20 year olds with stamps or bracelets.
- Travel in groups – never go places without your friends. You are in a new town, and people may take advantage of that fact. Never wander off with a stranger no matter how cute they are.
- Watch your drink – not everyone on spring break is a good person. It is too easy to spike or slip something in a drink. Never leave your glass unattended or with a stranger.
- Find the exits – if you are going to a club or bar, stop for a second and locate all the exits before moving to the dance floor. It is spring break and more people are out and about, therefore there are more chances for an incident. Knowing your exits could save your life.
- Avoid binge drinking – know your limits. Spring breakers often find themselves with a hangover that can ruin their trip. Lessen your chances for alcohol poisoning by drinking slowly and with water in between alcoholic beverages.
- Do not drink and drive – law enforcement is out in full force during spring break. Don’t land yourself a trip to the slammer! Rotate designated drivers among the people in your group. Have one person remain sober for each night of your stay. If no one wants to remain sober, take a cab. This is a lot cheaper than a DUI.
- Pay attention to traffic – when
leaving the club, stay on the sidewalks and out of
the way of traffic. Chances are some drivers are
drunk and not paying attention. Watch where you step
and only get near traffic if it cannot be avoided.
Other Safety Tips
Here are some tips that do not fit into any of the above categories, but are of equal importance:
- Stop at tourist info centers – these are around for a reason. These centers house a plethora of information that will help make your stay on the Emerald Coast pleasant and carefree. Get literature on accommodations, attractions, restaurants, tours, among others.
- Read damage/security agreements – most hotels, motels and condos on the Emerald Coast require a damage or security deposit for registered users under 25. Get a copy of the agreement sent to you prior to your stay and go over it with all room occupants. Most have policies against loud music/behavior, underage drinking, balcony climbing, fighting, unregistered people staying in the rooms, among others. Read these carefully, because you do not want to face eviction on your spring break.
- Bring your insurance information – no one wants to get hurt on spring break, but hundreds of students face injury every year without fail. Having your insurance card could save you out-of-pocket doctor fees. Or, you could call your parents and get this information, but be prepared to tell them what stupid activity landed you in the hospital this time.
- Seek shelter from storms – Florida storms are extremely dangerous. People have been struck and killed by lightning on many occasions. Find a place to wait out the storm, and do not go near the water.
For more travel tips, check out How to Not Look Like a Tourist
Florida laws
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