| As the last round of Spring Breakers prepare to | | | | cause drowsiness, headaches, nausea, or other |
| head out to their various destinations, it is a good | | | | side effects, use extra caution when participating |
| time to remind warm-weather revelers of safety | | | | in water activities. |
| guidelines while in and on the water. Keep those | | | | · WATCH THE LOCAL WEATHER |
| you care about safe by reviewing and discussing | | | | FORECAST. Coastal areas are known for quick |
| the following precautions. | | | | weather changes. Become familiar with the local |
| · NEVER COMBINE ALCOHOL AND | | | | weather trends of your Spring Break destination |
| WATER ACTIVITIES. This is a dangerous | | | | and watch for the weather report every morning. |
| combination, no matter what the scenario. Boat | | | | Plan your activities accordingly. |
| owners need to be sober to properly operate | | | | · TAKE YOUR OWN U. S. COASTGUARD |
| their vehicles. Swimmers and boat passengers | | | | APPROVED LIFE JACKET ON ANY BOATING |
| need to remain sober in order to think and react | | | | TRIP. If you get on a boat, whether to fish, see |
| clearly and quickly, should something unexpected | | | | the sea life, or go diving, taking your own USCG |
| happen in the water. If you must include alcohol | | | | approved life jacket ensures your safety. Be |
| during your celebrations and gatherings, do so on | | | | responsible for your own safety! |
| dry land and well away from boats or water. | | | | · PARTICIPATE IN WATER SPORTS |
| · GET ENOUGH SLEEP. Spring Break | | | | WITH A BUDDY. There are numerous tales about |
| often teases participants with all-night bashes. | | | | someone going out on a chartered boat and |
| Resist the temptation and get at least seven | | | | never coming back. Don't be the next one! |
| hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep can | | | | Always take a companion with you when you are |
| increase your risk factors when participating in | | | | swimming, boating, or participating in any other |
| water and boating activities. | | | | water sport. As an added precaution, tell |
| · OPT TO RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL | | | | someone on land when you expect to return and |
| INSTRUCTION FOR SKILLED WATER | | | | call if plans should change. |
| ACTIVITIES. Opportunities abound for the water | | | | · BE PREPARED FOR THE SUN. Often, |
| adventurer: scuba diving, surfing, sailboarding, jet | | | | young people feel as though they will be fine on |
| skiing, water skiing, and more. When participating | | | | the water without sunscreen to protect their skin. |
| in these sports, pay the extra few dollars for | | | | On the water, your chance for burns will increase, |
| some private or group instruction from a | | | | and your ability to feel how much sun you are |
| professional. $20-$50 could make the difference | | | | getting will be diminished by the coolness of the |
| between an enjoyable afternoon on the water, or | | | | water. ALWAYS wear sunscreen with SPF15 |
| one spent in the local emergency room! | | | | protection or higher. You don't want to end up |
| · AVOID ILLEGAL DRUGS. Choosing not | | | | spending your Spring Break in the hotel room with |
| to partake of illegal drugs is always a good idea, | | | | severe sunburn! |
| but when around water, it is an even better idea. | | | | · ENJOY YOURSELF! Water activities can |
| Like alcohol, illegal drugs can impair your judgment | | | | be great fun. Just be aware of the dangers, |
| or slow down your reaction time. Be at your peak | | | | make wise decisions, and take responsibility for |
| when on or near the water! | | | | your own safety. You may be confident of your |
| · KNOW YOUR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. | | | | abilities on the water, but anything can happen. Be |
| If anything the doctor has prescribed for you can | | | | prepared! |