Beware of Spring Break danger in Mexico

KENS 5 Eyewitness News ^ | 02/28/2007 | Angela Kocherga

[SwinneySwitch]

Students packing their bags for Spring Break in Mexico may be surprised to find armed Mexican soldiers waiting for them.

The soldiers are there to ward off the drug violence plaguing tourist spots and the border towns.

Most U.S. students already celebrating in Mexico were not aware of the escalating drug violence that sparked the massive crackdown by Mexican authorities.

Every year, the U.S. State Department issues a Spring Break advisory called "Know Before You Go." This year, the advisory says students should know there is increasing violence in Acapulco and they should be "vigilant."

The warning says students should "be especially aware of safety and security concerns due to violence between rival drug gangs in the area." The advice is for students to stick to tourist areas and visit only during daylight and in early evening hours.

Mexican authorities agree that tourists are not the target of drug gangs, but they can get caught in the crossfire. Recently, two Canadians were injured when gunmen fired into their Acapulco hotel lobby.

More coverage • KENS video: Beware of Spring Break dangers in Mexico

In Cancun, the most popular Spring Break destination, the biggest danger for students is not bullets, but alcohol abuse. It leads to accidents, arrests and violent crimes such as rape.

Authorities say in most cases Spring Break safety starts at home with the students before they cross the border.

[fogofbobegabay]

Amen to that. My best friend went down to Mexico about six years ago on a fishing trip.. They found him three months latter in a shallow grave, no sign of the new truck he was driving. Mex. is the last place on earth I would go to let alone spend one dollar.

[CindyDawg]

Also, there is just something fun about going to Mexico. Once a year or so I still go to Progresso to shop. The kids like to hang out there. Unfortunately many are naive and think and act like they are still in the US. They don't understand that they can be targeted and arrested , with parents having to pay big bail or be kidnapped for who knows what kind of bad stuff.

[fogofbobegabay]

Ya, sounds like lot's of fun: if you come back alive.

[cll]

"Would also not bother with Puerto Rico, unless you enjoy having to watch eveything you bring 24/7."

Not true. Puerto Rico is a fun and safe destination. The number of Spring Breakers increase every year, even if we really don't care for that type of crowd.

[CindyDawg]

You asked why...not if they should.

[wolfcreek]

"Also stay away from hotel balconies in Cancun.
The railings are too short."


My sister's best friend's boyfriend died falling off one of those balconies. Best advice to parents; don't allow your children to leave the country.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Wi nøt trei a høliday in Sweden this yër ?

[CindyDawg]

We send the Yankee's grannys and grandpas back every year. You don't here about them getting into much trouble. They stay in groups and get back before dark. They shop and eat and stay out of clubs. The kids would have a fit but maybe we should pair them up with the Grey Foxes:')

[Post-Neolithic]

I suppose things could have changed over the past 10 years.

[cll]

We did have a crime wave around the time you mention, but nothing even close to what's happening in Mexico.

[mickey finn]

I went on a fishing trip several years ago in Baja, Mexico and had no problem. We camped most of the time on the beaches. The cops were friendly and checked to see if we had any trouble with the locals. And the locals checked in with us also. However, I do believe it could be dangerous. Where was your friend vacationing when he lost his life?

[blu]

now instead of protecting "kids" from drinking, they go to Mexico where they are in much more danger.

But, the BEST part is now the parents go with the kids....and it's perfectly OK with the parents if the kids drink down there, because "Well, in Mexico it's legal to drink when you're 18. Oh, no, of course my little darling won't continue to drink when s/he gets back home."

Nothing like sending a mixed message, and don't get me started on "Why in the heck are parents going on a kid's senior trip????"

[Jason_b]

They are not going there for a family vacation, they are going there to do things with strangers they'll never see again that would make them feel ashamed if their parents, future spouse, or if anyone in their home town saw it or knew they did it.

[fogofbobegabay]

My friend was doing just that, camping at a place called San Nicolas. I think he just forgot he was not in the US anymore. They think he was bludgoned to death in his sleep (camping on the beach). If it was not for the El Nino that year I don't think anyone would have found his grave.

[jocon307]

We should at least close the border southbound.

[unixfox]

Why go to Mexico, when the US destinations are just fine and comparably priced...

Because the diving in Cozumel is some of the best in the world? That's why I go.

[CindyDawg]

I'm sorry about your friend. I didn't see your post before I posted mine, or I would not have reposted about the Winter Texans to you.

[CindyDawg]

Every year, they go off balconies here too on South Padre Island.

[fogofbobegabay]

Thanks. I think the Winter Texans should bear in mind that the value of a human life is considerably dicounted once they cross the boarder.

[CindyDawg]

Yeah. I think some of them are canceling trips too. Not everyone is going to though. My DIL goes across occasionally and I have a family member there today for dental work. Makes you nervous. We caution them to be vigilant and careful.