101 Critical Days of Summer about to begin

  • Published
  • By Lt Col James Sears
  • 56th Fighter Wing chief of safety
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 101 Critical Days of Summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, are a great time of year in Thunderbolt country.  Personal Responsibility - Personal Safety is this year's theme. Every Airman needs to take time to evaluate the importance of safety precautions for themselves and others. 

Our pools are ready for swimming; we work to keep our yards in pristine condition and children are out of school so we can hit the roads for summer vacations. 

Before we move too quickly into summer activities, let's pause and reflect on potential tragedies that are inherent them. 

Drowning is the second leading cause of death for infants and children in the U.S. Statistics show that 20 children drown in Maricopa County each year. To help prevent tragedies, never leave a child unattended in a pool. An adult must be "eyes-on" at all times; swimming lessons and floaties won't cut it. Make sure baby sitters understand and enforce water safety rules as well. Also, check pools regularly for glass, broken equipment or other hazards. 

Over 400,000 Americans are injured each year while keeping their yards looking good. Children should never be in the yard while work is being done and never assume children will stay where you last saw them. Make sure your yard is clear of foreign objects to prevent injuries from flying debris. Also, dress appropriately for the job to include sturdy shoes, close fitting clothes, eye protection, heavy gloves and hearing protection. 

Sunscreen is your first layer of defense when you get out in the sun. As you enjoy the pool or work in the yard, remember the summer heat is upon us. First and foremost, stay hydrated. If you feel thirsty you are already behind on your water intake. If you begin to feel nauseous, thirsty, or develop a headache, find a shaded or air conditioned location and take a water break. If you find someone delirious or unconscious from heat exposure, call 9-1-1 or take them immediately to a hospital. 

Every summer, motor vehicle accidents cause the majority of our fatalities. While the rate of those losses has decreased in recent summers, the loss of a single Airman is too many.  When you hit the road for a family vacation, keep a few things in mind.  Have a travel plan and stick to it. Your plan should involve stops every couple of hours and no more than 400 miles of driving each day. If you are tired, stop. Always watch out for the "other guy," especially when driving around the Valley. If you ride a motorcycle remember to wear personal protective equipment. Lastly, there is never a good reason to drink and drive. 

Safety begins with you, the individual Airman. Take responsibility for your actions and ensure those around you do the same so we can remember this summer as the "Summer of Fun" instead of a "Summer of Tragedy.