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Madalynn Davis
BY MADALYNN DAVIS
Contributing Writer
It's spring break time, and there's only one perfect destination on a Texas college student's mind: Port Aransas. Like you, I also spend the month of February and the first two weeks of March dreaming of the time I am going to have with my friends down in Port A.
I can see it now, as I get in my truck to drive down to the beach, my mom yells out, “Have fun and BE SAFE.” She's right; spring break can be fun and safe. Here’s 10 quick safety tips to follow for your trip.
1. Go in pairs
This one is simple yet effective. Going and leaving places with another person is important because it lowers the chances of vulnerability, and, in case an emergency were to arise, there will already be people there.
2. Write down emergency numbers
Maybe you forgot to charge your phone, or it got lost in the sand. Write down phone numbers of trusted friends and family members and keep them in a purse, wallet or car.
Just in case you don’t lose your phone but it runs low on battery, bring a portable charger. These can help so that you're never stuck without a way to call for help.
3. Share your location
Share your location with someone you trust. It can be your parents, friends or even your friends' parents. This allows someone to see that you've arrived safely at your destination and can help them find you fast if something were to go wrong.
“Anything can happen, and we are lucky to live in a time where we have the opportunity to make sure our loved ones are safe via our phones,” Regan Noel, a graduate of Howard Payne University and frequent spring breaker in Port A, said.
4. Stay alert
Being aware of your surroundings is a great way to prevent accidents before they happen. Always pay attention to where you are, who is around you and what is going on. Staying alert can help you to avoid bad situations and look out for others as well.
5. Don’t drink and drive
If you plan on drinking, make sure you have a designated driver (DD). Make sure your friends also have one and rotate the responsibility of being the DD. Drinking and driving can not only affect your future, but it can impact the future of others.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Every day, about 34 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that's one person every 42 minutes.” Make smart choices and drink responsibly.
6. Know your limits
When it comes to alcohol, know what your body can handle. You should know how many drinks you can have before you can't function or remember what happened. You can’t stay safe if you're not in control of your body.
7. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated during your time in Port A is important. Sun and alcohol can be a dangerous combination that leads to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and bring things like Liquid I.V. packs, Gatorade and Electrolit to replenish your body’s electrolytes.
“I know for me, just being out on the beach with the sun already drains me, and adding alcohol to the mix makes it worse,” Noel said. “No one wants to feel bad on spring break, so drinking plenty of water can help you feel good and have fun.”
8. Follow flag warnings
Every beach posts colored flags to indicate water conditions and hazards. Be sure to educate yourself on what each color means and check them daily. The flags are put out for a reason and not following them can have dangerous consequences.
9. Don’t go in the water intoxicated
Just like how the sun doesn't mix with alcohol, neither does the water. Being intoxicated affects your sense of reality and can increase the risk of accidents and drowning.
10. Check for rip currents
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “Ripcurrents are powerful currents of water that often pull people under, where many drown.” Before getting in the water, make sure to look for rip current warnings.
If you're unsure about conditions, you can go to weather.gov/beach and find Port A’s rip current conditions on the map. Rip currents can pull even strong swimmers away, so don't risk it.
Spring break in Port Aransas should be fun and memorable, but also safe.
“Spring break is a time where a lot of people let loose, so you have to be continuously careful,” Noel said. “You don't have to let your guard down to have fun.”
The best spring break is one you will actually remember. Making smart choices doesn't take away from the fun. Staying in pairs, remaining alert and being hydrated are all small choices that make a big difference. The goal here is simple: make it home safe with fun stories to tell.
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