For the first time, Alcohol Campus Education and Service’s Spring Break safety program will be geared at protecting female travellers.

The annual program, which is hosted in conjunction with the Grand Valley Police Department, will focus on how to drink safely and remain safe when choosing to drink in new environments with new people, whether students are returning home over break or travelling in the U.S. or abroad. The 90-minute event begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Room 2263 of the Kirkhof Center.

Unlike previous years, this year’s program will specifically address safety issues facing female students. ACES graduate assistant Alecia Smith, who will host the program, said ACES opted to tailor the event specifically to women this year because statistics show females are more likely to be targeted during spring break, women “generally can’t handle as much alcohol as men” and past ACES Spring Break safety programs have been largely or exclusively attended by female students.

Some of the key topics covered at the event will include the signs of alcohol poisoning, the amount of alcohol in various drinks and how to maintain a safe environment around new people. GVPD Officer Betsy Wenk will also deliver travel safety tips and discuss some of the legal issues surrounding alcohol consumption.

“Generally the program is really laid back,” Smith said. “… I’m going to come at it more from the angle of women and making safe choices around alcohol. If you’re 21 and can drink, I’ll give some tips. If you’re 21 and can’t drink, I’ll talk about some ideas of how you can still have fun with your friends and make good choices.”

In addition, the event will feature prizes from area businesses and beach bum gift sets. Refreshments will be served as well and attendees will have the chance to vote on a name for ACES’ new penguin mascot.

clane@lanthorn.com