There is an app for almost everything — from mixing the perfect drink to learning Kama Sutra — so you might be surprised to find that there is no app to get you out of trouble with the Isla Vista Foot Patrol.

Every year, hundreds of people are arrested and cited for alcohol-related offenses that could have been easily avoided. Officers can by no means stop every intoxicated person, but they certainly can pinpoint who has had too much to drink. How?

Sometimes, the only way to learn anything is by experience, but this is not one of those times. We’re taking a moment to explain some Isla Vista safety tips, so start taking notes — there are several things an I.V. partygoer can do that are almost guaranteed to get them in trouble:

• Sitting on a curb while intoxicated — this is a red flag to deputies who will suspect that you are too drunk to walk. If you sit down on the curb on a Friday night in I.V., don’t be surprised if you’re approached by deputies inquiring about your sobriety.

• Carrying an open container of alcohol in public — many unsuspecting partiers may not see the harm of walking into public while holding a drink in a red cup. But consuming alcohol in public can actually constitute a crime. Even if only the safety seal on a container has been broken, the bottle is open.

• Starting fights in the streets — this may sound obvious, but no one is going to think you’re manly because you can throw a drunken punch.

• Messing with deputies — this is a great way to get their attention. At heart, every cop truly loves to be called a pig.

• Urinating in public — seriously, just hold it. Otherwise, Santa Barbara County may end up holding you in a cell.

• Riding a bike while intoxicated — believe it or not, riding a bicycle while under the influence is against the law.

If you happen to be a little too tipsy and are stopped by an officer, it is best to be calm and civil. IVFP Lieutenant Brian Olmstead says simple cooperation is a good approach in these situations.

“Know your rights, but cooperate with law enforcement when contacted,” Olmstead said.

While all potential partiers in I.V. can benefit from understanding local ordinances, it can also help to know basic safety procedure. Substance abuse is a serious issue that demands attention and sensibility from partiers.

One of the easiest ways to avoid dangerous situations and stay out of trouble is to simply know your limits when it comes to consumption of drugs or alcohol. Let’s face it: Alcohol doesn’t have to be dangerous. But it can be. If a partygoer does decide to drink, there are steps to take that can help to avoid trouble. For example, balancing each drink with water or snacks can help prevent dehydration and illness.

For those interested in more safety tips, UCSB and local law enforcement have collaborated on safety campaigns, such as The Life of the Party, that offer advice for partygoers.

The Life of the Party is run by UCSB’s own Division of Student Affairs as a resource for students. It offers full lists of information about alcohol consumption and local ordinances at its Web site, http://lifeoftheparty.sa.ucsb.edu.