LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- In the warm summer months, Airmen, families and friends hit the road seeking memorable experiences and carefree moments. As Airmen embark on their journeys and spend time doing their favorite summer activities, the risks involved can pile up quickly.
The Air Force Safety Center has reinvigorated the 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign this year, sharing essential safety and awareness messaging with Airmen. The campaign, which began Memorial Day and will end Labor Day weekend, emphasizes the importance of safety and risk management during the summer season.
The 2023 theme is “See Something, Do Something … Live to be Lethal.”
Risk management is the cornerstone of 101 Critical Days of Summer. It involves assessing potential hazards, identifying mitigation strategies, and making informed choices.
By incorporating risk management practices into everyday routines, Laughlin AFB personnel can mitigate unnecessary risks and create a secure environment for themselves and their loved ones.
"Laughlin personnel do very well at managing risk on the job,” said Alex Aguilar, 47th FTW occupational safety manager, “but we rely on all to use the same risk management skills while off duty, whether that be at home, at the lake, while traveling, or any other off-duty activity. Practicing risk management off duty as well as we do on duty will result in a safe summer for all."
Since 2007, there have been 8 mishaps at Laughlin.
Risk management is not limited to on-duty responsibilities but should be integrated into daily lives. The success of the 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign relies on everyone taking proactive measures to ensure safety for themselves and the Del Rio community.
The 47th FTW Safety office has organized a series of educational briefings detailing sunburns, heat-related illnesses, and dangers related to water, fire, driving, sports, and recreational activities.
The overall goal of this campaign is zero mishaps and fatalities this summer.
According to the Air Force Safety Center, over the past ten summers, 2013-2022, beginning the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, there have been 134 unnecessary fatalities off duty. The top three riskiest activities were four-wheeled motor vehicles (47), followed by motorcycles (41), and water-related activities & sports (19). One Airman or Guardian lost to a preventable mishap is one too many.
"The 101 Critical Days of Summer Campaign is back this year with the goal of defending the human weapon system," said Lt. Col. Johnathan Radtke, 47th Flying Training Wing chief of safety. "While traveling or enjoying the weather this summer, please take an extra moment to remain vigilant... ‘Live to be Lethal.’"
This relies on Team XL members to make responsible choices, look out for one another, and take proactive safety measures. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and make this a summer to remember for all the right reasons.
For additional information, visit https://www.safety.af.mil/Divisions/Occupational-Safety-Division/Summer-Safety/.