Drinking & Going out
• Above all, know the law — drinking alcohol is only legal if you're over the age of 21
• It’s so important to eat a meal before you drink and continue to snack while you drink as well as drinking plenty of water before and while you drink alcohol.
• Know the signs of alcohol poisoning (confusion, vomiting, seizures) and to call for help when necessary.
• Watch your drink at all times. Watch it being made, don’t set it down, and cover it while you’re moving around to avoid problems such as date rape drugs. If you do set it down, throw it out and get a new one.
• Keep friends close by and agree to watch out for each other. Make it a pact to not leave without everyone you came with and be wary of friends pairing off with strangers. Use the buddy system with those traveling with you, not with strangers you’ve just met.
• Always have a designated driver who is not consuming any alcohol. Alcohol effects everyone differently and one drink to one person could be equal to four to another, you never know how it will alter someone’s driving capabilities but assume that it will and select a sober driver. If your driver takes a drink, call a cab.
• Avoid drinking in extreme temperatures, especially in the sun to avoid alcohol and possible sun poisoning. Drinking dehydrates your body and these factors speed up the process. This also goes for hot tubs. It may look glamorous in music videos but in reality, your blood vessels dilating and lower blood pressure enhances the effect of alcohol making you feel it twice as hard, twice as fast.
• Create a code word between your friends to help each other realize when one of you might become uncomfortable or in danger.
• If you choose to leave with someone you’ve met, let your friends know where you’ll be and the name of the person you'll be with.
Sun & Fun
*Keep these in mind both at the beach and at those ski slopes!
• Wear sunscreen and lip protectant with SPF of at least 15 or higher (the more easily you burn, the higher SPF you should have).
• Wear sunglasses, protective clothing, and hats.
• Avoid mid-day sun; keep in mind the sun is the most intense between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• Drink water to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, which will dehydrate you more.
• Note medications you are on and how they might affect you in the sun.
Alternative Spring Break
• Avoid working in the heat of the day and stay hydrated.
• Travel with a friend or better yet in a large group.
• Know how to properly use the tools or machinery you are given at building sites.
• Know the area and safe ways to travel to and from where you are staying.
Cruises
• This should be common sense, however, whether drunk or sober, do not attempt the Jack and Rose pose from the Titanic. It might look cute for a photo-op but it’ll be less cute when you’re having a dolphin looking straight into your soul like Meghan from Bridesmaids.
• Avoid rails in general, you’re either headed overboard or onto a lower deck, neither of which are safe.
• Treat valuables as you would in a hotel, keep them hidden or better yet leave them at home.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash.
• Do not wander into prohibited or dark areas, especially alone.
• Do not give out personal info and be wary of scams, if it’s too good to be true it probably is.
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