"Critical Days of Summer" safety campaign begins

  • Published
  • By Lorie Bellamy
  • 18th Wing Safety
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The "Critical Days of Summer" safety campaign officially kicks off May 24, before Memorial Day weekend, and ends on Labor Day.

This year's theme is "Safe 'n Sound - All Year Round."

This is historically the period where the Air Force loses more Airmen to preventable mishaps than any other time of the year. Most of the mishaps occur during off-duty activities because increased daylight hours and better weather provide more opportunities for travel and recreation. The warm weather experienced year round on Okinawa creates an additional challenge regarding mishap prevention.

The Pacific Air Forces bases had an outstanding summer campaign in 2012 and did not experience a single fatality. However, 16 Air Force members lost their lives during the summer months last year, mostly due to vehicle mishaps (motorcycle and four-wheel vehicles).

Although Kadena did not experience any fatalities in 2011 or 2012, six members of the 18th Wing have lost their lives in mishaps since 2009. Four individuals were fatally injured in motorcycle mishaps, with the most recent occurring in January of this year. One person drowned after becoming fatigued and the sixth person was fatally injured during a government vehicle backing incident.

Water safety is critical in Okinawa. Always check the sea and weather conditions and respond properly to the warnings. Utilizing Risk Management principles, commanders and supervisors must emphasize risk awareness for their personnel engaged in swimming and water related activities.

Airmen should not swim, scuba drive or snorkel alone or combine alcohol with these activities because it will increase the potential for a mishap. Swimming, snorkeling or scuba driving in unfamiliar areas should be avoided.

Those who will be boating this summer should take a boating safety course. Boaters must be alert, sober and wear life jackets.

Make proper choices before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. Drinking and driving simply cannot be tolerated and has been proven time and time again to be a deadly combination. Use the Airmen Against Drunk Driving Program, take a taxi or make arrangements to spend the night. Having a plan for the evening and the wingman concept are all key to looking out for one another to ensure everyone gets home safely.

To lessen the chances of becoming involved in a vehicle crash, remember the following:

- Don't drink and drive or ride with anyone who has been drinking.
- Drive within the posted speed limits; speeding is a factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes.
- Fatigue and driving are a lethal combination; do not work an entire shift and then drive long distances.
- Seat belts save lives and are a person's best defense to preventing or minimizing injuries. Wear a seat belt 100 percent of the time and wear it properly. People who have children should protect them by having them in the appropriate child restraint device.

The goal this summer is to have zero preventable mishaps. Safety is everyone's responsibility; Risk Management must be incorporated into daily activities. Every commander, supervisor and worker must be committed to avoiding mishaps. To ensure a safe and enjoyable summer, continue to focus on safety and take the required measures to protect yourselves and loved ones.