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Use buddy system wherever you go
By Lynda Shrager
Albany Times Union
Published on Thursday, Mar 13, 2008
Every time my daughter gets up the courage to broach the subject of going away for spring break with her friends, I look at her and say two words: Natalee Holloway. This year, she is a 21-year-old college junior, so I have finally weakened and said yes to Florida this month. But don't for a moment think she'll be leaving without a lengthy tutorial plus a list of tips to pack next to her suntan lotion.
The U.S. Department of State notes a relatively new requirement that all U.S. citizens have passports to re-enter the country when traveling by air from Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.
Each year, more than 2,500 Americans are arrested for narcotics possession or intoxication in public places. Those who violate local laws could face severe penalties. Also, ''foreign'' safety standards aren't necessarily as stringent, and there have been many deaths from car accidents on bad roads or falls from balconies.
A recent University of Wisconsin study reported that 75 percent of college males and 45 percent of females were intoxicated daily during spring break (I'm beginning to change my mind).
Beside potential alcohol poisoning, there is a strong connection between alcohol and drug use, and increased risky behavior. Choices about sex should be made while alert and sober to avoid becoming a victim of an assault, STD or unwanted pregnancy.
Date rape drugs such as Rohypnol or ''GHB'' are odorless, colorless, and tasteless and have been implicated in many spring break incidents. (Maybe I'll just check into the room next door.)
Tidal currents are unpredictable, and many drown each year because of riptides or sudden drop-offs in shallow water. Students should be familiar with the flag warning system (but they are not always posted). ''Red'' means stay out of the water because of strong undertow and riptides. ''Yellow'' means caution because of the possibility of strong currents.
''Blue'' is calm. If you get caught in a current, swim parallel to the shore rather than trying to swim against it.
Lock your hotel room doors and don't open them for any strangers, even if they claim to be staff. Leave valuables at home. Beware of balconies. Don't lean on railings. Spring break should be a wonderful, well-deserved vacation for all of you college students out there.
Just remember Holloway, 18, who disappeared in 2005 while on spring break in Aruba.
Tips for students
Organize these safety tips so all you have is fun:
• Don't go anywhere without using the buddy system. Three is best because if someone gets into trouble, one can stay while the other goes for help. If someone seems is missing for more than a few minutes, start a search.
• Don't leave drinks unattended; don't take drinks from strangers; and try to watch your drink being poured.
• If someone ''passes out'' from drinking, position him or her on the side to prevent choking and call 911 if he or she is not easily roused.
• Don't let anyone in your group leave with someone he or she just met, no matter how hard he or she might try to convince you.
• Someone at home should have a copy of your itinerary, including hotels and cell phone numbers of people in your group.
• Carry identification, enter emergency contacts in your cell phone address book under the name ''ICE'' (in case of emergency) and have pertinent medical information in your wallet.
Every time my daughter gets up the courage to broach the subject of going away for spring break with her friends, I look at her and say two words: Natalee Holloway. This year, she is a 21-year-old college junior, so I have finally weakened and said yes to Florida this month. But don't for a moment think she'll be leaving without a lengthy tutorial plus a list of tips to pack next to her suntan lotion.
Get the full article here.
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