Safety campaign warns Airmen of summer dangers

  • Published
  • By Noel Getlin
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaign kicked off May 12 at Eglin's Conference Center with a briefing from the Air Armament Center Safety Office and a host of state and local agencies. 

The campaign, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day every year, serves as an educational program and a strong reminder of hazards in the summer months when there are traditionally more fatal accidents. Just last month, Eglin lost an Airman who drowned in the Gulf of Mexico while tossing a football in waist-deep water. 

"Today, we want to plant the safety seed," said Robert Fusco, AAC occupational health & safety specialist, who coordinated the event. "The idea is to increase Eglin's awareness of the geographical dangers here. If we save one life, it's well worth it." 

AAC Commander Maj. Gen. Richard Davis emphasized the importance of summer safety. 

"Anything that starts with 'Hey buddy, watch this,' could not be the move you're looking for...," said General Davis. "I'm not telling you to cut back on summer activities. Take advantage of the area and the resources here." 

He asked Airmen to remember the Wingman concept and to follow three steps when participating in activities: think it through, think about what could happen and think what to do about it. 

Chris Lambert, Destin Beach Safety Patrol lifeguard, showed Airmen how to spot and get out of a rip current. 

"Rip currents result in more deaths in Florida than hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes and thunderstorms combined," Mr. Lambert said. 

He also explained the dangers of waves, saying swimmers should always face the waves, and the best way to prevent being knocked over by one is to duck underneath it. The weakest part of the wave is under water, he added. 

Petty officer 2nd Class Michael Zubillaga, U.S. Coast Guard Station Destin, explained how to help them "take the 'search' out of search and rescue." They encouraged boaters to wear a life jacket with reflective tape. Also carrying a whistle and a flashing light for the life jacket aids in searches. 

Another way to help the Coast Guard during a rescue is to remember four Ps and a D: the problem, your position, how many people, personal floatation device and description of the problem. 

State Trooper Lt. S.R. Preston informed the group that there were nearly 3,000 traffic fatalities in Florida last year. The three major factors in the deaths of motorists are driving while intoxicated, speeding and not using seat belts. 

While .08 percent is considered impaired under the law, motorists can be prosecuted with a reading of .05 percent. He also mentioned that beginning June 30, drivers can be pulled over solely for not wearing a seat belt. The state's new "wheelie" law will fine motorcyclists $1,000 for a first offense, a higher fine and revocation of your license for a second offense, and the third offense is a felony. 

Senior Airman James Elliot, from Eglin's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program reminded Airmen about the 0-0-1-3 rule: 0 DUIs; 0 underage drinking; 1 drink per hour and 3 drinks per night. And most importantly, he said never to get behind the wheel when you've been drinking. 

Tommy Salter, AAC chief of ground safety, said "We look forward to the opportunity to provide awareness and equip our Airmen with the tools to keep themselves and others safe. We do our best for people to cope with these things." 

The briefing will run daily through Sept. 7 at 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8:40 p.m. on Channel 23, the Commander's Access Channel. Airmen can get credit for the briefing by registering on the A3 Web site.