Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Sun Lite for March 22, 2004

Lisa Ferguson

Monday, March 22, 2004 | 9:19 a.m.

Beach-blanket uh-oh

As made evident by history, nothing seems to boost the spirits of uninspired, directionless, financially dependent college students quite like the words "spring break."

Right now, a good many of those young scholars are likely crowding beaches around the globe, degrading themselves in wet T-shirt contests and frying much-needed brain cells with each alcohol-laden gelatin shooter they suck down -- all in the name of good, old-fashioned debauchery.

But here comes killjoy Anthony Greenbank to inject a little common sense into the raucous scene. The author and "survival legend" (his publishers claim he's climbed mountains, fought forest fires and lived through "harrowing motorcycle crashes") wants to inform spring-break revelers about all sorts of hidden vacation dangers by sharing tips from his tome, "The Book of Survival" (Hatherleigh Press, $15.95).

Here's a handy one: If you don't know how to swim, stay out of the water. Otherwise, Greenbank advises, venture in "only with proper supervision" such as a trained lifeguard. If an accident occurs, however, he reminds non-swimmers to "take a deep breath of air before you hit the water" and "grit your teeth tight while sinking" (that's a reassuring thought) to help fight panic. Resist struggling or splashing and "natural buoyancy will bring you back to the surface."

To avoid ending up as the star of a future installment of the reality series "When Stingrays Attack!," the author urges vacationers to "check the area you are entering for local aquatic dangers" ahead of time. The swipe of an agitated stingray's tail may cause symptoms of delirium and swelling; those who are stung should seek help at a hospital -- not by letting some inebriated buddy relieve himself on you, even if he insists that's what it said to do in his Marine Biology 101 textbook.

King of the road

Of course, the spring break beach scene is so predictable. Why not try considering a different getaway: Ask Granny and Gramps if you can borrow their behemoth RV and hit the open road.

That's what former two-term Maine Gov. Angus King did. Five years ago he rented an RV for his family's spring vacation. Inspired by that trip, last year King bought a 40-foot motor home. The day after he left office, he piled his wife and two preteen kids inside, and the foursome set out on a six-month, 15,000-mile trek across 34 states, which he called "one of the greatest experiences I've ever had in my life."

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, a national trade organization based in Renton, Va., is banking on King's experience to get others interested in RVing, and is offering tips to others looking to do the same. Start by hitting the Information Superhighway to find RV websites (such as that of the association's informational partner, www.GoRVing.com) and gather data about campgrounds and vacation planning.

Before blowing your life's savings by purchasing an RV, rent one first to decide which model best suits your traveling needs, or attend an RV show -- similar to an auto show, but featuring motor homes and similar vehicles -- and peruse the displays. Otherwise, order the association's free RVshopping/ traveling video or CD-ROM by visiting the website, or calling (800) GoRVing.