Staying safe while on spring break

Students have probably all seen, or at least heard, about the antics that happen over spring break. Thanks to MTV, we are all guided to think that spring break is a rite of passage - something students strive to do before they graduate from college.

However fun spring break can be, safety can become a problem for students enjoying the sun and surf.

"Wherever you go, know where you are; know your surroundings," was Director of Safety and Security Michael McCarthy's biggest tip. He knows just as well as the rest of us what goes on during spring break and worries about the safety of each individual person who partakes in the annual festivities.

But what exactly are the dangers of the legendary spring break?

According to McCarthy, the biggest threat is alcohol. "Having a good time [with] alcohol can lead to many bad situations" - namely motor vehicle accidents, need for medical attention, sexual assault and property damage. It is also important to have an "extra level of healthy suspicion or paranoia" in unusual surroundings. You cannot assume every situation you encounter is safe or that everyone you meet can be trusted.

As far as the consequences that can be felt for actions taken over spring break, they are "devastating, as you can imagine," McCarthy said.

To stay safe, the best course of action is to always be with people you know.

"A buddy that you know you can trust and help you" is the most important asset to bring along with you on spring break outings, according to McCarthy.

Another important tip is to keep your cell phone on you and full of battery life. Furthermore, once you get to your spring break destination, put important contact numbers (i.e. the local police) into your phone.

Keep McCarthy's words of wisdom in mind when traveling and enjoying break: "If it doesn't feel right, if it doesn't look right, if the hairs on the back of your neck are standing up, you're telling yourself it is wrong."

As published in the Cardinal Courier, St. John Fisher College