By: Araceli Salcedo, CSUN Institute for Community Health and Wellbeing Volunteer
Spring Break is upon us! Spring break is an opportunity for students to enjoy oneself with friends or family and allows for a week long halt from studying and midterms. When asking a couple people what came to mind when thinking of Spring Break, immediately some answered (with excitement) partying, travel plans to Mexico, resting, going out, or simply enjoying the time off! Now all those answers sound lovely, but what many don’t think about, is having a safe Spring Break. Although Spring Break has a certain association, or is associated with risky behavior, does not mean students have to put themselves at risk. Below are some safety tips for your awesome plans for break!
Travel Safety
- Always plan ahead
- Carry a form of identification such as ID card/license and passport if abroad
- Getting required vaccinations for out of country travel
- Limit bringing valuables while traveling to limit theft
- Consider travel insurance
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Have a buddy system when going out
- Always let someone know where you are
- Know emergency numbers
Beach/Water Safety
- Wear sunblock, sunglasses, and hats to protect from UV rays to reduce skin damage and risk of skin cancer
- Do not swim if you do not know how; wear a life jacket!
- Swim sober; do not swim if consuming alcohol as it impairs judgment and increases risk of drowning
- Be aware of lifeguard stands
- Listen to warnings and signs at the beach; be aware of strong currents/rip tides
- Don’t dive in order to avoid neck/head injuries
Safe Drinking
- Don’t drink on an empty stomach; make sure to eat and not just drink
- Hydrate with water! Alternate drinking non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages
- Have a plan; do not drink and drive! Do not drive when sleepy either.
- Drink responsibly and know your limits
- Keep an eye on your drink; get/serve your own drink
- Avoid binge drinking; pace yourself
- Know the signs of alcohol poisoning→ nausea/vomiting, slurred speech, skin discoloration, loss of consciousness, confusion, slow/weak heart rate, low temperature, seizures
Spring Fling Safety
- Having a mutual consent before engaging in sexual interactions
- Know your own and your partner’s boundaries
- Practicing safe sex, such as using condoms, to avoid sexually transmitted diseases/infections
- Reducing number of sex partners can also reduce your risk of STDs
- Choosing not to have sex is ultimately the best way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases or unplanned pregnancies