As Florida’s winter comes to an end the beaches are beginning to be packed with people of all ages. Beach safety is something that everyone should take into consideration when hitting the sand this season. We all know the basic rules of the beach, sunscreen, be sure to eat so you don’t dehydrate etc. the rules haven’t changed much over the years. But, the most important thing that students should watch for is the beach police. Underage drinking is at a peak these days and the police aren’t messing around anymore.
Caddy’s in St. Pete is the hot spot today for 18-25 year olds. But if you think you’re going to get away with drinking underage, you might want to think again. Caddy’s has beach police in full uniform that at any point can approach a group and ask for their i.d.’s. Not only do they look at the picture and the date and expiration date but they have an on sight scanner to be sure it’s a legitimate for of identification.
“This is the first time I have ever seen cops in uniform on the beach. I have been to many beaches and seen beach patrol but never an officer,” says Lindsay Nichols, a 23 year old from Riverview, visited Caddy’s this past Sunday. Students should be wary of drinking at the beach because cops have no problem taking out the cuffs and heading to the station with you in your teeny bikini or American flag board shorts.
One other thing that students need to remember is that drinking alcohol at a bar is totally different than drinking in the sun. The sun it self can be tiring and especially if it’s really hot your body needs water to keep hydrated and alcohol dehydrates you. This means that if you normally drink 5 beers and feel “buzzed” then probably at the beach 3 will have you feeling good. “I saw so many girls and guys that were so messed up because they were just constantly drinking and in the back of my mind I was wondering how they all are getting home,” adds Lindsay.
DUI’s cause 41 percent of traffic deaths in Florida. If you decide to go to the beach and load your cooler with alcoholic beverages, make sure you have a designated driver. Drinking and driving is never cool and can cause major problems for you and possibly someone else. Alejandra Barrios turned 21 last April and by June she received a DUI, she tells “I did something very stupid, I drank then drove. Now I don’t drive at all and have to find rides to and from work 6 days a week. I’m lucky that I didn’t hurt anyone, but I let myself and family down, and now all my hard earned money goes to the DUI.” Most of the beaches are about an hour away from the Tampa area, give or take. Could you imagine driving that far after drinking all day in the sun, it’s just an accident waiting to happen. As summer time approaches students should remember that having fun is also being responsible because it’s no longer fun when you’re sitting in a jail cell.
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