I have been asked to put together a spring break safety column, as many of you will soon be leaving your academic and job worries behind and departing for warm, relaxing locales over spring break. In addition to keeping track of travel documents, your money and ID, and remembering to pack the SPF, it’s important to know how to keep yourself safe from potentially dangerous situations.

College women are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than any other age group.

One in 10 men will be victims of sexual assault sometime during their lifetime.

The vast majorities of these sexual assaults are perpetrated by acquaintances, “friends” or dates.

There are a few basic steps students can take to maximize safety while enjoying vacation.

Even though you’re on vacation, don’t let your guard down completely.

Vacationing at a spring break destination can create a false sense of community with your fellow spring breakers.

In reality, the vacation destination is just like any other city filled with strangers; treat it as you would any unfamiliar environment.

Avoid being alone or isolated with someone you don’t know and trust.

Keep a healthy skepticism about people you’ve just met. Never allow yourself to be taken to an isolated location.

If someone you don’t know asks you to go somewhere alone, let him or her know that you prefer to stay with your group.

Use any excuse you can think of to get out of a difficult situation.

Stick with your friends. Go out with your friends and come home with your friends.

Don’t wander off or walk anywhere alone. Before you go out, make a secret “butt in” signal with your friends.

Talk about when a friend should intervene and agree to use it for uncomfortable situations.

Don’t be afraid to let a friend know if something is making you uncomfortable or if you are worried about your or your friend’s safety.

The buddy system is the golden rule of safety.

No one gets left behind, ever. Remember, judgment gets compromised by alcohol – no matter what, keep each other safe.

Make a Plan. Establish a meeting spot in the event your friends get separated.

Before you go out, identify a safe way to return to your hotel or lodging.

Be Aware of your Surroundings. Check out your surroundings.

Identify “safe zones” where you can ask for help and stay in a public, well-lit area.

Avoid wearing headphones/earbuds in both ears so that you can be aware of what’s going on around you. Be alert and aware at all times.

Be Prepared. Always carry emergency cash and keep phone numbers for local cab companies handy. Have your charged cell phone with you at all times.

Know your limits. Alcohol is the No. 1 date rape drug.

According to a University of Wisconsin study, 75 percent of college males and 43.6 percent of females reported being intoxicated on a daily basis during spring break.

Nearly half of the males and more than 40 percent of the females also reported being drunk to the point of vomiting or passing out at least once during spring break.

This is the kind of binge drinking that is a major cause of sexual assault.

Drinking too much makes it easier for a person to become either the victim or the perpetrator of sexual violence.

Decide before you start partying how many drinks will be your limit.

Avoid drinking games. Don’t accept open drinks from strangers, leave a drink unattended, or drink from a punch bowl (easy targets for date rape drugs).

Always watch your drink being prepared, and when possible, try to buy drinks in bottles, which are harder to tamper with than cups or glasses.

Know When to Say “No” (But if it’s a “Yes,” Use a Condom).

While MTV makes it seem that everyone’s having sex during spring break, that’s not necessarily the case.

Decide on your boundaries and stick with them.

Discuss this with your friends ahead of time so they can help you if you get in an uncomfortable situation or get too drunk to make appropriate decisions.

If you do meet someone, explain up front your limits and boundaries.

Unfortunately, sexual assault and date rape is all too common on spring break trips.

In the same Wisconsin study, women with higher alcohol consumption were more likely to have been the victim of sexual assault.

If you do decide to have sex, play it safe. Take matters into your own hands and bring condoms with you.

Women, don’t rely on the guy.

Remember, this is about preventing pregnancy and STDs (according to the Center for Disease Control, 1 out of 4 college students has an STD).

Know Where to Ask for Help. If you or someone you know does experience a sexual assault, know where to get help.

Online, you can contact a 24-hour rape crisis counselor at www.rainn.org .

You can also contact the ETSU Counseling Center at 439-4841 and ask to speak with a counselor on staff.

When you return, contact the University Health Clinic if you want to get tested for STI/STDs or pregnancy.

Men, know how to be a safe partner and friend. Ninety-eight percent of all sexual assaults are committed by men.

There are, of course, many men that are concerned, caring and safe. Be one of these men.

Know how to help keep your sisters, girlfriends, female loved ones safe from harmful relationships, sexual assault and date rape.

If you see a male friend not being a safe partner, step in.

Remember to always seek full, clear consent when initiating any sexual contact. Be clear and honest about your intentions.

Do not confuse clothing, solitude, alcohol consumption, possession of condoms or sexy dance moves with the right to have sex.

Remember, if you have sex with someone without that person’s explicit permission.

Even if that someone has given permission in the past, even if that someone “seemed like they totally wanted it,” even if that someone didn’t “actually” say no, even if that someone “was wasted, too.”

You are committing a crime. That crime is called sexual assault. Nobody goes on vacation thinking they will be sexually assaulted.

Most men do not seek to assault or rape. And yet, it happens a lot.

Please, amidst the beach and the parties, the relaxation and the fun, the hanging out with old friends and meeting new friends, practice safety.

Enjoy spring break, but don’t take a break from the smart choices that can prevent sexual assault and harm.

The questions published in the Sex Matters column are answered by Rebecca Alexander, LMFT, a licensed counselor working with the Outreach & Advocacy: Sexuality Information for Students (OASIS). Questions may be e-mailed to oasis@etsu.edu. Sex Matters’ questions will be published anonymously.

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