Click to watch video

During Spring Break college students heading south may see waves, sunshine and members of the opposite sex.

AP

US women students on spring break dance in Cancun beach resort club, Mexico.

But this year some students may also see federal police and the military on patrol in Acapulco and some Mexican border towns.

Most students say they’re not aware of the escalating drug violence that sparked the massive crackdown by Mexican authorities.

Every year the state department issues a Spring Break advisory for students traveling to Mexico titled “Know Before You Go”.

This year it says students should know there’s increasing violence in Acapulco and should be “vigilant”.

As far as Mexican border towns, the state department advises travelers to be “especially aware of safety and security concerns due to increased violence between rival drug gangs”.

They advice travelers to limit visits to tourist spots during the day or early evening.

Authorities agree tourists are not the target of drug gangs.

But they can get caught in the crossfire.

Recently two Canadians were and injured when gunmen fired into their Acapulco Hotel lobby.

In Cancun, the most popular Spring Break destination, the biggest danger for students is not a bullet but alcohol abuse.

It leads to accidents, arrests and violent crimes like rape.

Authorities say in most cases Spring Break safety across the border starts with the students themselves.