It’s (finally) that time of year again. Don’t be coy, I know you know what I’m talking about – even if you don’t participate in fall crawl, you likely have heard about the semi-annual drinking celebration in Oshkosh known as Pub Crawl.

While Pub Crawl certainly isn’t winning any awards for its safety, Pub Crawl – specifically spring crawl – was significantly less safe last year than in the past because of the 16 shots fired on Scott Avenue by a now arrested 20-year-old man on April 13.

What made this more dangerous was the lack of a Titan Alert from the campus police, despite releasing Titan Alerts outside the bounds of campus that same year.

In addition to the shooting, there was a total of 48 citations given and three people taken into custody. 

While these dramatics made for an eventful Pub Crawl, there’s a way to have both an eventful and a safe Pub Crawl.

Here’s how.

1. Utilize the buddy system

Remember in grade school when teachers utilized the “buddy system” during field trips? Well, we’re going back to that. 

I know this is a pretty widespread event, so you’ll likely have a buddy wherever you go. However, this doesn’t mean you should go off on your own. 

I also know it can be incredibly hard to keep your group together, especially if it’s a large group of people. People will inevitably want to split up, and that’s fine. Just make sure to bring a buddy with you on your little side quest.

2. Bring. Water.

I am sick and tired of hearing the myth that drinking water will sober you up. I don’t know where this myth comes from, whether people assumed because it helps with hangovers it must sober you up, or if it was just created as a way to guilt people into drinking more, but it is indeed false.

According to Southern Illinois University, “caffeine, exercise, taking a shower or drinking water won’t help you sober up. There is no way of speeding up this process; TIME is the only solution!” 

As I learned while getting my bartending license, how drunk you are is determined by your blood alcohol content. I assure you that your blood will not change as a result of you drinking a glass of water.

Instead, it will help you pace yourself for the long day of drinking ahead. Afterall, you don’t want to be one of those people who missed out on Pub Crawl because you started off too strong and forgot to bring/drink any water.

I see you all out there hauling your gallon borg, so I better see some Stanley cups out there too. 

3. Keep your phone on you and charged

Charge. Your. Damn. Phone. While the day’s festivities mean you likely won’t feel the urge to sit on your phone and watch TikToks, being able to connect with people makes for a more fun and a more safe Pub Crawl. 

As I mentioned before, you and your friends will inevitably split up, whether on purpose or on accident. If and when this happens, having a phone is incredibly helpful in meeting back up with them and keeping yourself safe if you’re left alone.

Moreover, having a phone means you can receive updates either from friends or peers via YikYak in case something bad happens. 

Since we didn’t receive a Titan Alert last year after the shooting, YikYak or personal texts from friends were the primary way that people got this news. Keeping your phone charged and with you at all times will help keep you in the know, keep you connected and keep you safe. 

Additionally, it means more photos and videos to look at during the morning-after debrief. Who doesn’t love doing that?

4. Open intox detox 

Another common mistake to avoid is getting a ticket for open intoxicants. This is a common offense during Pub Crawl. It occurs when somebody is holding an open bottle of alcohol on public property. This rule stands regardless of your age, so even you fresh 21-year-olds aren’t safe from this offense.

While it’s true that police officers are less likely to catch you because there’s many other participants violating this offense, this actually just means that law enforcement will just be more vigilant.

Two of my friends almost got one at last semester’s spring crawl, but were luckily let off with a warning. You might not be so lucky, however, and may have to pay a hefty $100 fine.

Regardless, if you get caught, you will have to pour out your drink. If you have a borg, this is especially detrimental. So, unless you want your entire reserves for the day dumped out, be sure to leave the borg on private property or just do a really good job at concealing it.

The main rule of thunb is stay on the lawn of the darties, and to be careful when walking from darty to darty.

5. Stay as alert as you can

As we learned last year, we can’t rely on Titan Alerts to warn us of danger, so we must stay alert ourselves. 

While I understand that Pub Crawl being a drinking event may make this difficult, it is possible. I’m not suggesting you have to be on guard at all times; I want everyone to still have fun. 

Staying alert includes many of the aforementioned tips and tricks such as utilizing the buddy system, keeping your phone on you and charged at all times and staying hydrated and pacing yourself so you can stay somewhat vigilant. 

Pub Crawl is an awesome opportunity for UW Oshkosh students and Oshkosh residents alike to let loose and have fun, so don’t lose sight of that either. 

Just don’t get so carried away that it becomes a danger to you and those around you.

Being careful and utilizing these tips will make for both a fun and a safe Pub Crawl experience.