We all know that the beach can be a wonderful experience. Young people everywhere love to party on Spring Break. But it's important to remember, there are safety concerns to be aware of.

Concern No. 1: Alcohol Consumption

Should someone in your group become intoxicated, never abandon these individuals. If they pass out and you don't get a response, call 911 immediately. Try to make sure they sleep on their side, this will prevent choking. Watch for alcohol poisoning symptoms, these will include (a person may not exhibit all of these symptoms).

Symptoms

• Confusion and/or stupor
  
• Vomiting
  
• Seizures
  
• Exhibits Slow breathing (less than 8 breaths per minute)
  
• Irregular breathing (more than 10 seconds between breaths)
  
• Blue-tinged skin
  
• A low body temperature (hypothermia)
  
• Passing out and are not able to be roused

It's best not to drink, but that's not always realistic. So think before you drink!

• Don't drink an excessive amount of alcohol.
  
• Make up your mind before how much you will drink.
  
• Plan ahead how you will refuse a drink when you reach your limit.
  
• Be knowledgeable about the consequences if you break any local or state laws.
  
• Under no circumstances should you drive when drinking. Choose a designated driver.
  
• If you have to, consider public transportation when it's available.

Concern No. 2: Rules for your Hotel Stay

Good Common Sense rules:

• Always lock your door.
  
• If your hotel door has a peephole, use it before you answer the door. That's what it is there for.
  
• Don't open the door for a stranger. Verify with the front desk if someone says they are hotel staff.
  
• Don't leave valuables in your hotel or motel room.
  
• When you leave your room, ask someone to go with you.
  
• And last but not least, don't sit or stand on the balcony rails. This could prove to be fatal!

Concern No. 3: Sex and Spring Break

You are more likely to be a victim of sexual assault when you have consumed high levels of alcohol. Therefore:

• Don't drink excessively and put yourself in a vulnerable position.
  
• Try to stay with the crowd and stay away from isolated areas.
  
• If you meet someone new, now matter how nice they seem, don't leave with them. Stay with friends you know.
  
• Watch your drink at all times. There is always the possibility of someone slipping a date rape drug in your drink when you are not looking. It happens all the time.
  
• If a stranger offers you an open drink, don't accept it. Order your own drinks.
  
• If you do have sex, practice safe sex and protect yourself with a condom.

Concern No. 4: Overexposure to the Sun

It's a reality that too much exposure to the sun can easily damage and dry your skin over an extended period of time. Other dangers are sunburn and skin cancer later in life. How do you prevent heat stress symptoms from happening?

• Don't sun bath during the hottest hours of the day.
  
• If you believe you can't get sunburned on a cloudy day, think again. Sometimes, it can even be worse.
  
• Use Sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least a
  15. Don't forget sensitive areas like the nose, ears, face and shoulders.
  
• When you are out long enough to sweat you should re-apply your sunscreen. Also, re-apply after swimming.
  
• If you have a hat, wear it.
  
• Sunglasses with Ultraviolet Protection are a good idea.
  
• It is so important to stay hydrated, so drink lots of water. Even when you don't feel thirsty.
  
• Watch for heat exhaustion symptoms. These will include paleness, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, tiredness, dizziness, headache, vomiting, nausea and fainting.

Concern No. 5: Swimming Safety Tips

• Don't swim alone.
  
• Recognize the flag warnings: Red-Stay out of the water. Yellow-Some undertow and riptides are possible. Blue-Calm water.
  
• If you accidentally get caught in a current, it's important to remember to not swim against it. Rather swim parallel to the shore until the danger is over.
  
• If you are unlucky enough to be stung by a jellyfish, know the first aid procedures.
  
• Don't stay on the beach if there is a storm or lightning.

A good thing to consider is to carry Pepper Spray or a Personal Alarm with you in case you find yourself in an unsafe situation. That way you are in control until you can get help.

Just remember you are there to have a good time, not it get arrested, hurt or even die. You are young, intelligent and full of energy. You have your whole life ahead of you. Simply put, if you follow these simple Spring break rules, you will have a happy, safe Spring Break!

Don't be a Victim!