I know, I know. No one wants to hear it. Safety is ~uncool~. We're in college, we're invincible, nothing bad can happen. I get it.
But here's the thing: being safe doesn't mean don't have fun. It doesn't mean don't get drunk. It just means be conscious of your own, and you friends', well being. It's easy to get caught up in the fun and make stupid decisions. You probably have a story or two in which you're nodding right now, recalling a time where you thought you were invincible and something happened that you regret.
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Here's just a short little PSA on how you can avoid something disastrous. Spring break is for fun, not (serious) regrets.
1. Use the buddy system.
Especially if you're in an unfamiliar area, be sure to never venture off by yourself. If you're at one of those hot spring break destinations, it's easy to get separated in the waves of people. Stick together and you'll be a lot safer.
2. Do. Not. Drive. Drunk.
I don't know how this can't get into people's heads.
Do not drive drunk.
Do not let your friends drive drunk.
Do not let that hot guy you just met drive drunk.
Don't let anyone drive drunk.
Not just for their safety, but for everyone else's on the road. I know it's inconvenient to get a ride, but it's even more inconvenient to get a huge fine, go to jail, or die. And I know you think you're fine to drive or that it won't happen to you, but just play it on the safe side and assume you're not. You are not invincible.
3. Keep track of your belongings!
Whether it be in a ~trendy~ fanny pack or a backpack, be sure that you don't lose your money, driver's license, credit card, and phone. Make sure that whatever you put your belongings in won't be something you regret carrying around so that you're less likely to stop carrying it or leave it somewhere.
4. If you're underage, be smart.
I'm just going to leave it at that. You know what I mean. You're already poor from spending so much on spring break, you don't need a huge fine because you were being stupid.
5. Look after your friends.
If you're looking after your friends and they're looking after you, it's just a few more people being aware of everyone's safety. Make sure y'all are drinking water. Make sure you're not pushing your limits. If you and your friends care about each other the way real friends should, y'all should all be aware and thinking about each other's safety.
6. Use protection.
7. Use sunscreen!
You know your own skin type, and you know the amount of sunscreen you need. People like me need a whole tub full but some people I know need a few sprays of SPF 5 tanning oil and they're set. Sunburns are a good way to kill the fun vibes. Be sure to reapply as needed!
8. Drink water.
Not only are you going to be outside a lot, but you're probably going to be drinking as well, which makes this a double whammy in regards to dehydration. Dehydration is not a good time so please be sure to be drinking lots of water! Your body will thank you, and your hangover won't be as bad.
9. If you ever feel like you are in a dangerous situation, get help.
If you ever feel uncomfortable, or see another person who might be in a bad situation, go with your gut and get some help. The bad guys know that it's spring break too, and you best bet they'll be taking advantage of it.
See? That wasn't so bad, right? You can still have a good time and take care of yourself and your friends. Being safe is not as hard or uncool as people make it out to be. It really is not that inconvenient. If you care about your friends you should want to look out for them and they should want to look out for you! Have fun and stay safe, my dudes~
