Follow these tips for a safe spring break:

Drinking

• Don't drink too much!
• Decide in advance what and how much you will drink.
• DO NOT DRIVE. Use a designated driver or choose public transportation.
• Should a member of your group become intoxicated, never leave them alone. If they pass out, make sure they sleep on their side to prevent choking, and if their level of consciousness is too low to get a response, call 911.
• Watch out for "rape" drugs. Don't leave your drink unattended. Don't accept open drinks from strangers.

Hotel/Motel

• Lock your door.
• Look through the peephole before answering the door. Don't open it for a stranger. If someone claims to be staff, call the front desk for verification.
• Don't leave valuables in your hotel or motel room.
• Use the buddy system when leaving the room for any reason.
• Do not overcrowd elevators -- this often causes a malfunction which will cause you to be stuck with really bad elevator music!
• DO NOT CLIMB on balconies or sit on balcony rails. This can be fatal!

Personal safety

• Don't drink too much -- drinking makes it easier for a person to become either the victim or the perpetrator of a sexual assault.
• Don't allow yourself to be taken to an isolated location.
• Don't walk alone. Use the buddy system.
• Never leave with someone you just met. Attend large parties with friends and plan to leave with the same friends.

Beach

• Avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the sun's rays.
• You CAN get a sunburn even if it is cloudy.
• Apply sunscreen with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15, paying special attention to the face, nose, ears and shoulders. Re-apply after swimming and sweating.
• Wear a hat.
• Wear sunglasses with UV (Ultraviolet) Protection.
• Drink plenty of water, non-carbonated, and non-alcoholic drinks, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Stay within the designated swimming area and ideally within the visibility of a lifeguard.
• Never swim alone.
• Be aware of rip currents. If you should get caught in a current, don't try to swim against it. Swim parallel to shore until clear of the current.
• Seek shelter in case of storm. Get out of the water. Get off the beach in case of lightning.
• Watch out for traffic -- some beaches allow cars.