by Sara Casareto ‘16

Beach week: a fun and sun-filled senior tradition following high school graduation in June. For students in Maryland there are many options for a locale, but no beach feels like home in the way that Maryland’s Ocean City does. Beach week is characterized as a week-long party with carefree fun and often, to be candid, binge drinking. Although this reckless behavior seems harmless to the young partygoers themselves, crime rates in Ocean City skyrocket during the month of June.

According to Ocean City’s 2015 Police Report, the month of June had the highest total number of crimes at 455. Police last year received 13,358 calls for service. Certain crimes increase more than others come beach “month.” The Ocean City Police recorded four cases of rape and 191 cases of assault, numbers that were higher than those of the other months.

Unsuspecting students, many of whom are inexperienced and naïve, could be potential targets for these violent crimes. It is extremely important to stay with people that you know and trust. Students are never too old for the buddy system, especially when in an unfamiliar locale in a potentially inebriated state. As old-fashioned as this may sound, even though students may not be driving, each night have someone be the “designated driver” of the group, that way one person amongst your friends is always sober and able to keep an eye on everyone.

Crimes like assaults and thefts increase as more and more people go to the beach and as the amount of drinking increases. Sherwood seniors look forward to this week every year, and it is meant to be a good time. Seniors should also keep in mind that it is not just their fellow classmates at the beach; there are families, students from different schools, and those who may be there to prey on teens.

Not only is there the risk of getting in trouble with the police, but there is the danger of losing more than a student’s clean rap. Do not drink and drive. Buckle seatbelts. If the lifeguard is not in the stand, keep feet in the sand. No one gets left behind, and remember the buddy system. In addition to Maryland laws, Ocean City has its own set of laws and failure to follow them will not only end fun early but can result in fines, loss of license, and cancellation of car insurance. In order to keep everyone as safe as possible, Ocean City Police have a smart phone app which can be located at the Apple store or Google Play by looking up “311 Ocean City Police.” This app enables users to easily and anonymously report any problems they have while at the beach. In cases of an emergency, students shouldn’t hesitate to dial 911 or call the Ocean City Police hotline number: 410-723-6600.