By: Kalyssa Chu, Staff Writer
Get ready to suit up—the Mills Prom Committee has announced that all prom attendees will be required to wear life jackets while aboard the venue.
This year’s “City Nights on the Bay” prom takes place on the California Hornblower boat, which will cruise the night along the San Francisco Bay. “Mills has hosted prom on a boat plenty of times before,” Dean of Students and Prom Committee member Tim Christian stated, “It’s fun, but there have been some close calls…especially with students almost going overboard when taking pictures on the deck.”
He continued, “Student safety is always our top priority, and it was at the forefront of [the Prom Committee’s] mind since the beginning of our planning process. It was crucial that we addressed the concern of, well, the water.”
The Prom Committee voted to implement the life jacket safety precaution last month, choosing it over the alternate option of a mandatory swim test for prospective passengers. “We all agreed that life jackets are less of a hassle than a test,” Dean Christian said, “Plus, it’s more accessible…not everyone can swim, but, with a proper life jacket, everyone can float!”
While the Prom Committee claims to have made the decision in students’ best interests, most have expressed frustration over this rule. “It’s absolutely absurd,” Matthew Situ (12) said, “Prom is an important night. How am I supposed to be okay with spending it in some old, clunky vest?”
While Mills will provide students with life jackets prior to boarding, attendees are also permitted to bring their own flotation devices—as long as they meet general safety requirements. “I feel like the life vest will be super unflattering over my dress,” Morgan Chu (12) stated, “I want to buy my own just to make sure it fits right…maybe I can get one to match with my date.”
Still, Situ said he is not satisfied: “My friends and I are thinking of organizing a boycott of some sort.” He then exclaimed, “Unrest or no vests!”
Rachel Chen (12), however, has a more positive outlook. “I understand where the rule is coming from. I think we just have to make the most of it,” Chen said, “In fact, I’m kind of excited about it…my friends and I want to decorate our jackets to accessorize our outfits.” Chen added, “To be honest, the vests are kind of camp.”
