Beach Week: Don't Mix Teens and Alcohol
Senior Beach Week is a popular June event in the DC Metro area in which many area graduates and other young people take to area beaches in celebration. Unfortunately, it's a tradition associated with an increased incidence of binge drinking, underage drinking, unprotected sex, and illicit drug use.
A 25-year old Bethesda Soccer Club coach spent Beach Week at Dewey Beach and wound up in hot water this year, arrested on 18 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, among others. He also faces several charges of maintaining a dwelling for the use of illegal drugs, providing alcohol to underage people and disorderly use of a dwelling. All of the charges stem from a party that the coach, Nino Marcantonio, allegedly sponsored for several recent graduates and their friends.
If you or your child is planning a Beach Week celebration this season, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers these suggestions for enjoying the trip without running afoul of the law, or putting yourself or others in danger:
- "Swim in the ocean and sunbathe with your friends
- Shop at the trendy boutiques
- Stroll along the boardwalk or main street and people watch
- Dance at an under-21 dance club
- Eat seafood or burgers at your favorite local restaurants
- Play putt-putt
- See if there's a local amusement park where you and your friends can ride some rollercoasters."
- Laws related to enabling underage drinking
- Laws related to hosting parties for minors
- Post-graduation safety advice for parents and teens
