"Critical Days" safety campaign begins

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaign began May 21 at the enlisted hall with safety briefings on drinking and driving, swimming, traffic and boating.

Col. Monte Cannon, the 96th Test Wing vice commander, gave opening remarks. He said the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the most dangerous time for safety incidents.

"That's when we have the most vehicle accidents, water sports injuries and fatalities," he said. "The statistics also tell us many of you Airmen required to be here are among the most at-risk."

Cannon told the packed hall the briefings are held to manage risk and raise awareness.
"We want to get you thinking in terms of safety," he said. "We want you to have fun and stay healthy during spring and summer months. If you're traveling, we want you to come back safe."

Brad Bien, a member of Eglin's ground safety office, said the Department of Defense is taking steps to integrate risk management into every aspect of the way all Air Force personnel conducts business, on and off duty.

"As you're going about your spring and summer activities, think about the risks and plan accordingly, through the ACT concept - assess the hazard, consider your options and take appropriate action," he said.

Next, Ashley Bailey, with the Okaloosa County's sheriff department's crime prevention unit, offered traffic safety tips, spoke about the dangers of texting and driving, covered some Florida traffic laws and gave a sobering .

"The fines for a driving under the influence or boating under the influence conviction are the same, and they can be steep," she said. "Okaloosa County has a zero tolerance policy for DUIs and BUIs, and there is no lenience for military personnel. Have a plan in place to avoid drinking and driving, or drinking and boating."

Joseph Reichal, a member of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Destin - Fort Walton Beach, gave boating safety advice.

"If you own a boat, plan on being on a boat, or plan on swimming in the gulf this summer, we don't want you to become a statistic," he said.

Reichal encouraged attendees who practice boating to attend the auxiliary's boating safety classes. He also urged them have their boats examined; and insure their boats have the proper identification and documentation and are properly equipped with life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares and other safety equipment.

Justin Cook, senior lifeguard with Destin Beach Rescue, warned the audience about drinking alcohol and swimming; stressed observing beach signs and warning flags; and encouraged seeking shelter when lightning is present.

He explained how to escape from a rip current. "If you get caught in a rip current, don't panic," he said. "Relax and swim parallel to the beach, until you're clear of it."

When reporting a drowning over the phone to emergency personnel, Cook said it's important for a caller to give an exact location of the drowning, not a general location.

Senior Airman Devyn Skinner, a member of Eglin's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program and Treatment program office, encouraged the '0-0-1-3' concept of zero drinks if underage, zero drinks if driving, one drink per hour and no more than three drinks in an evening.

The last speaker was Maj. Barry Wells, the 96th Test Wing chaplain. He asked the audience to be smart and be safe.

"Whatever your choice of activity is, all we ask is that you think about what you're doing, assess and avoid the risks, and make the right decisions while enjoying the summer," he said.