Tips and advice for Spring Break fun South Padre Island has long been a very popular destination for college and high school students looking for spring break fun. Generally, South Padre Island is a very safe place with limited crime, safe sporting activities and a great laid-back attitude. However, for a couple of weeks in March the island becomes an all day party with young guests from all over the U.S. So is spring break really safe? It is a safe destination for visitors who use a little common sense and follow some general advice. 1. Always know who you are traveling with. Travel is best enjoyed with close friends. Most guests share a large condo or beach house rental with friends. This usually works well but, it only takes one to invite the party back to your rental. Inviting in strangers is a bad idea that will often result in damage and extra costs. Come with like-minded close friends who all share in the rental expenses. Keep your home away from home safe and free from unknown guests. 2. Use the buddy system. Go out in groups of 2 or 3 and share the responsibility of keeping in touch. Leaving a bar or party with strangers is reckless and can lead to periods of time when your location is unaccounted for. Be sure to be with someone you know and always let your friends in on your plans. 3. Stay in the U.S. The Mexico border is near South Padre Island and in years past many partiers would hop across the border for a later night adventure. These days security on the border is much higher in response to increased drug crime and robberies. Passports are required for a crossing and border patrol have been known to retain those who are excessively drunk or drinking underage. Plus, drunken Americans are a great target. If you wish to see Mexico, it is best to go during the day, with a group of friends. As always, stay together, keep to public places and stay sober with your wits about you. 4. Be safe on the beach. The beach is where the spring break parties are during the day. But, after hours in the sun many find themselves too sun burnt to enjoy the rest of the vacation. Be sure to use sunscreen and to re-apply all day long. Most sunscreen formulas only last a few hours and aren’t the same after a dip in the ocean or pool. 5. Be safe in the water. The shore off South Padre Island isn’t known to be particularly hazardous. However, there are occasional rip-currents or heavy surf and there are no permanent lift guards on the beach. Problems are best avoided with awareness. Know your swimming skill and stay within its limits. If you do find yourself caught in a rip-current, remember to swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the current and can swim in. There are occasional jellyfish in the waters off South Padre. Stings are not life threatening (unless a rare allergic reaction occurs.) but are quite painful. If stung while swimming try to stay calm and turn back to shore. Once on shore the pain can be stopped by home remedies of urine, or orange juice applied to the afflicted skin. Those with very large or multiple stings should consider seeking medical help. 6. Be safe when you drink. When drinking the possibilities for problems are amplified. Be careful about using your judgment when drinking and keep careful count of how much alcohol you consume. Many bars offer spring break “super drinks” which contain multiple shots of alcohol in an oversized glass. They do add up. In addition, always be in control of your glass or drink. Its best to get your own from the bar and keep close track of your glass. Many popular destinations on South Padre are within walking distance or have frequent cab service. There is never a reason to drink and drive. 7. Accidents can happen. Even when you are young an accident can happen. Leaning off the back of a open truck or jumping from a balcony may seem like a fine idea until an injury or accident occurs. Keep your common sense with you at all times. With a little caution and a good group of close friends Spring Break is an absolute blast. Just a little care can keep the good times going. Be aware and have a good time.