Smart Tips for Spring Break

ON THE ROAD

Take turns behind the wheel. Rotating drivers can keep everyone rested with the added bonus of taking turns deciding on the music.

Whoever sits shotgun should stay awake to keep the driver company. Two alert drivers are always better than one.

Make sure everyone has a valid driver’s license and the vehicle registration and proof of insurance are in the car before driving off.

Never leave valuables in plain view in your car. Lock items in your trunk before reaching your destination.

Take a map. These days everyone relies on their phones for navigation, but in some places, where service isn’t strong, you can lose that ability. Having a map is always a nice backup plan when on a road trip.

AT THE HOTEL
When you check in at the front desk, use discretion in saying your room number out loud for anyone in the lobby to hear. No one outside of your party needs to know your exact location.

Reserve a room that’s above the 1st floor but below the 6th floor. First floor rooms are easier to break into, and rooms above the sixth floor are sometimes too high for fire ladders to reach.

Close your door tightly when entering or leaving your room. Some doors have a slow release and could remain open after you leave.

IF YOU’RE DRINKING
Be responsible.

If you do decide to drink, know the liquor laws of wherever you’ll be vacationing.

If you or one of your friends sees or feels the signs of predatory drugs: extreme wooziness, confusion, difficulty standing, or slurred speech, get to a safe place immediately and if the symptoms are severe, go to a hospital.

Eat before drinking. Drinking on an empty stomach can cause alcohol to affect you much quicker and can make you sick and those bowls of snack mix aren’t much substance to go on.

Drinking and driving is always a dangerous situation and illegal, so avoid this by having your safe mode of transportation home planned before you go out. Having a designated driver before the night starts can be great for driving and for keeping an eye out for everyone as well.

NEAR THE WATER
Use waterproof sunscreen at least SPF 30 and reapply often. Pay extra special attention to ears, nose, face, feet, and shoulders.

Avoid sun exposure during the hours when UV rays are intense (between 10 am and 4 pm) and remember you can burn even when it’s cloudy.

In any natural body of water, be aware that you can’t always tell how deep the water is. Don’t dive if you don’t know for sure how deep the water is. Diving in too shallow of waters can lead to serious accidents.

Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. If you start feeling faint or light headed, get shade and water immediately.

Jumping into the ocean without a lifeguard is putting yourself at risk. Always swim with a buddy. Even the most experienced swimmer can get caught in an undertow. If you are caught in a rip current, don’t bother swimming against it. Instead, swim parallel to shore until the rip passes.