Panama City Beach, a popular spring break destination for college students in the US has stopped including alcohol in their promotional material. The tourist hub issued ads in college newspapers across the country, but due to a reprimand from the American Medical Association, did not advertise special drink deals and promotions that some spring break destinations do include. On top of removing alcohol advertising the tourism bureau for Panama City Beach are encouraging those flocking to their city on spring break to use caution. Some of their advice includes sticking with your friends, not accepting drinks from strangers, taking a cab instead of driving and being aware that drug and alcohol laws will be strictly enforced.
We hope that students take a minute to realize that their safety and fun depend on the decisions they make throughout spring break
Last year the American Medical Association released a statement saying that spring break is no longer the safe vacation from the stressful college life. They state that it has in fact become dangerous and “potentially life threatening”. These statements, while blunt, are indeed important to those planning to spend their time off at a popular spring break destination, as well as the parents of those college students who are under the legal age to purchase alcohol. The alcohol companies may also play a role in the potential danger that arises during these vacations. Targeting young people isn’t something new to big alcohol and when they advertise a beautiful beach, tantalizingly cold beers and half naked women, it’s no surprise that some vacationers fall into the spectacle and end up hurt, sick or dead.
It is important for those planning a week or two of partying over their “study week” that they ignore the special alcohol deals that some tourist destinations advertise, consult their parents if they are under 21 and exercise moderation. There is plenty of fun to be had even if you don’t go overboard, and whether it’s pressure from friends or an attempt to impress someone, it isn’t worth spending the rest of the vacation in an emergency room.
