KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – It’s time to have some fun in the sun. The 101 Critical Days of Summer focuses on preventing the annual spikes in injuries and accidents between Memorial Day through Labor Day. These accidents not only impact individuals and their families, but also mission readiness and force lethality.
The Department of the Air Force saw an increase in injuries during the 101 CDS in 2024 with 1,477, up from 1,425 in 2023. However, over the past six years the DAF has seen a slight decrease in overall injuries and accidents. It is still not zero and the use of risk-informed decision making in all summertime activities will help prevent those unnecessary injuries or accidents.
Risks associated with summertime activities can be avoided by doing a risk assessment beforehand or taking a refresher course if you haven’t participated in some time. Make a list of essential items that will be needed for the activity. At a minimum, the list should include an emergency medical kit, plenty of water or drinks containing electrolytes, food and snacks high in potassium and protein if the activity will be strenuous. Never leave Mother Nature to chance and prepare for the unexpected.
Summer is the time to enjoy the warm sunny days but do it safely. Wear sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher when out playing in the sun or in the water as the sun’s ultraviolet rays reflect off the surface and can damage your skin. Using sunscreen will keep your skin from sunburns or worse. According to the National Cancer Institute, skin cancer, also known as Melanoma of the skin, will have an estimated 100,640 new cases in 2024. Make sure to lather up and don’t forget about the top of ears and noses.
Additionally, consider using sunglasses with a UVA or UVB rating of UV400 to keep eyes safe from the sun’s ultraviolet rays that can also damage the eyes. According to the National Eye Institute, the suns UVA and UVB rays can cause multiple eye problems such as early cataracts, pinguecula, and pterygium to name a few.
When engaging in strenuous physical activity, such as playing sports in the sun, take frequent breaks to cool down and hydrate often with water or drinks that contain electrolytes. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks as they can dehydrate you. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke and how to treat them. If you notice someone in heat distress, call 911 and move them to a cooler place. Try to lower their body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath if it is available. Do not give the person anything to drink if you suspect heat stroke. Continue to cool their body down until first responders arrive.
Swimming in the ocean to cool down or to enjoy a game of tag or Marco Polo is another summertime favorite. Be cautious when in the water as rip currents can form without warning. Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that move away from the shore. According to the National Weather Service, rip currents are the number one hazard at the beach and are the cause of over 100 drownings per year in the United States. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore to get out of it and never swim alone.
As the days get longer, the desire to head into the great outdoors and take that long-anticipated motorcycle ride, camping or hiking trip is music to the soul. Before venturing out, be sure to plan for the unexpected, as weather can change in the blink of an eye. Make a list of items that may be needed if the weather changes. Consider an emergency medical kit with extra batteries, blankets, jackets, food and water. Once the plan is set, remember to share it with family and friends.
Before taking the first motorcycle ride of the year, make sure to check the weather, road conditions and do a T-CLOCS check. Check tires & wheels, controls, lights & electrics, oil & other fluids, chassis and stand should all be working correctly before you ride. Once the motorcycle is ready, verify what riding gear will be needed such as, helmet, gloves, long sleeve shirt or leather jacket, pants and over the ankle boots. For additional safety gear, consider packing rain gear and an airbag vest.
For the avid mountain biker, the list should also include bike supplies and personal protective gear, to include bike helmet, gloves, and riding gear that covers weather changes. Biking tools should include a pump with several needles, gear adjustment tools, extra tubes or slime to fix a flat.
Hiking can be strenuous depending on where you go or if the hike will be overnight. If the plan is an overnight hike, headlamps, water filtration devices, light layers, tent, sleeping bag, and foods high in protein should be on the list. Plan out your trip by making a map of the area you will heading to and let someone know where you plan to be. Hiking poles can help with balance and stability in the steep ascents or descents and helps protect the knees. Stretch out muscles to warm them up before and after the hikes. Stretching before strenuous activities to stay limber can help you stay injury free.
“Summer is a time to relax and have fun in the sun but do it responsibly by incorporating risk management in all your summertime activities.” said William “Bill” Walkowiak, chief of Occupational Safety, Air Force Safety Center. “Risks are in everything we do, so this summer before you start an activity do a risk assessment to help lower the risks involved for a safer summer.”
For additional information visit the Air Force Safety Center website.