Spring Break Safety

Don't forget your SPF (Spring Break Protection Factor)

You deserve a break for sure! No matter where you choose to soak up rays and release your stress, we hope you have the time of your life but please be safe. Below are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

The Basics

• Trust your intuition, it is your best defense.
• Program the hotel # and address in your phone.
• Protect yourself from date rape drugs by watching your drinks.
• The 3 D's: Don't drink & swim, drink & drive or drink & hook-up.
• Have fun and take care of each other.

Maximum SPF

Personal Safety

• Use the buddy system. It might sound old school, but it totally works! Try to have at least three friends with you when you hit the town for the night. Two minds are better then one but a third can usually guarantee a voice of reason. (Also, if one of you does get into trouble, the second one can stay while the third seeks out extra help.)
• Trust your intuition; it is your best defense. If it doesn’t feel right or sound like a good idea, it probably isn’t. Listening to your inner voice can save your life.
• Make sure someone at home has details about your trip including where you are staying, room numbers of hotel room, phone numbers to reach you, who's with you, your flight plans (if any) and times you should arrive to your destination and return home. Set regular check-in times and follow through with them. If any of this information changes, make sure to notify your contact person.
• Bring emergency contact information, medical cards listing any conditions and/or allergies as well as health insurance information and keep these items with you. No one wants to get sick or hurt on vacation but if you do, at least you will be prepared.
• Never leave with someone you just met (no matter how gorgeous they are). If your heart is speaking to you and you absolutely must be alone with your new special friend, at the very least tell the friends you came with exactly where you're going and when you will return. We recommend taking it a step further by asking your buddy to program your new "friends" number in their cell phone and while their at it, take a picture of the happy new couple.
• If you are robbed, don't resist — give up any money, jewelry, or other valuables. You can always replace material things. Call 911 as soon as you can.
• Always carry emergency cash and keep phone numbers for local cab companies handy.

Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn!

• Always keep your hotel door locked and use the peep hole, that's what it's there for. Do NOT open the door for a stranger.
• You should always leave the hotel with friends, and never walk alone.
• Don't leave valuables in your hotel room; in fact don't even bring them on vacation.
• Don't overcrowd elevators- can cause malfunction which will cause you to get stuck.
• Do NOT climb balconies or sit on balcony rails. This can be fatal.

Drinking

If you plan on drinking as part of your spring break experience, consider the following:

• Be aware that excessive drinking can lead to more instances of violence and sexual assaults.
• Only accept drinks from the bartender, unopened beverages or drinks that you pour yourself. You put yourself at risk for receiving an altered beverage if you don't know the source of the drink.
• Protect yourself from date rape drugs. Don’t leave your drink unattended while talking, dancing, using the restroom, etc. Take it with you everywhere. (for more information and tips on protecting yourself from date rape drugs click here)
• Plan ahead on how much you plan to drink. Talk with a friend about when the friend should intervene and make a plan for how you will return to your hotel. Stay with someone who knows you when you are drinking — don't wander off alone.
• If a friend feels sick, you should not leave them alone. If you feel sick ask someone to look after you. Use your "buddy system."
• Make sure that someone in your group is not drinking.
• If a member of your group passes out, turn them on their side to prevent choking and call 911 immediately.

Sex... Safety and Prevention

• If you choose to have sex, make sure it's safe sex, use protection. Regardless of gender, protecting yourself is your own responsibility. Keep protection with you.
• Before you even go on spring break decide what your sexual boundaries are and discuss them with your friends so they can help you stick to them.
• Use your buddy system
• You should not assume that someone you have just met has your best interests at heart. Keep in mind that more people are sexually assaulted by acquaintances rather than by strangers.
• Avoid being alone or isolated with someone you don't know and trust.
• Do not have sex while either party is under the influence. Having sex with someone who cannot resist or say "no" because the person is drugged, drunk, passed out, unconscious, or asleep may be sexual assault.

Soaking up the Sun

• You've heard this a million times by now and we're going to remind you again, PLEASE avoid over exposure to the sun. Use sunscreen (SPF of at least 15), wear sunglasses, and/or a hat.
• You CAN get sunburned even if it is cloudy.
• Re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours and after swimming and sweating.
• Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water, non-carbonated, and non-alcoholic drinks, even if you do not feel thirsty.

Spring Break Program

In this original program, Kelly and Becca

• Share their story of friendship and survival
• Explain and encourage true sexual empowerment
• Discuss Sex, Alcohol, and the Date Rape Drugs
• Treat both men and women as allies
• Offer a three step process to enact change on campus
• Offer tips on how to support a survivor of sexual assault
• Provide spring break safety tips

Their work has been featured on Dateline NBC, CNN, Fox, ABC and CBS.