StaySafe As You Travel For Spring Break

With Spring Break right around the corner, we at ClearCause wanted to give you a few safety tips to help you make the most of your vacation while still staying safe. Check out our tips below!

1. Going to the beach? Do you know what rip currents are?

Rip currents are the  most dangerous hazard for all who love the beach. The National Weather Service’s website on Rip Current Safety define them as “narrow, fast-moving belts of water traveling offshore”. Rip current speeds are typically 1-2 feet per second and can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to see. Over 100 drownings occur every year in the United States due to rip currents.

It may be a rip current if you see a break in the incoming wave pattern, a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward, an area having a notable difference in water color or a channel of churning or choppy water.

The National Weather Service website gives the following advice if you are caught in a rip current:

1. Remember to remain calm to reserve energy and think clearly.
2. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, and don’t fight the current.
3. If you can’t swim out of the rip current, float or tread water calmly.
4. Draw attention to yourself by facing the shore, waving your arms and yelling for help.

If you see someone else caught in a rip current, get help from a lifeguard or call 911. Throw the rip current victim a floatation device and yell instructions on how to get out. Many people drown by trying to get someone else out of a rip current.

2. Drink Responsibly!

Many tragic accidents and deaths result from drinking irresponsibly. If you choose to drink, these basic tips can help you stay safe over spring break:

• Go out in a group and stick together. Too often, tragic accidents happen to individuals who don’t stick with their group. Remember, there is safety in numbers.
• Designate one or two sober friends to safeguard three of you. These friends can stay alert and aware of your situation and surroundings at all times to keep you away from any potentially dangerous situations.
• DO NOT leave intoxicated friends alone in a bar, on the street, or in a dorm room. Make sure your group sticks together!
• Guard your drinks and food. Be smart about this - don’t leave your drink unattended. Someone could easily slip something into your drink that could harm you. If the bartender is handing you a drink, get it directly from them and don’t let it get passed down the line. Guard your drink to guard yourself.
• Don’t ever take a drink from someone you don’t know.

3. Don’t Post Too Much Spring Break Info on Social Media

Be cautious about sharing too much information about where you are over spring break on your social media profiles. This information can easily be accessed by anyone. Avoid situations where someone could take advantage of you. The Rape Abuse Incest National Network has some great tips on keeping your privacy safe on Facebook, Twitter and Internet browsers.

4. Get StuCard Travel Insurance

Even if you’re only gone for a few days, StuCard Travel Insurance can help keep you safe if your travels are organized by an educational institute or club. Buy StuCard travel insurance - for about $1 a day with toll free help 24/7. StuCard’s multi-trip travel insurance is underwritten by Travel Guard, the premier travel insurance company in the U.S. with over 25 years of experience and 6 million travelers every year.

5. Got Vaccines?

You absolutely need to get vaccines if you are traveling abroad for spring break. Some countries require foreign visitors to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (a Yellow Card) or other proof that they have had their necessary inoculations or medical tests required to enter the country.

Check out the State Department’s website for country specific information. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) can provide you their recommendations for vaccinations and other travel health precautions for your trip abroad.

We hope everyone has a wonderful and SAFE spring break! Do you have any additional StaySafe tips you would like to add? We would love to hear from you! Please comment below.