Critical Days of Summer Week 15: Safety for the last summer holiday

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Charles Ladnier
  • 17th Training Wing Safety Office
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  As summer draws to a close, Labor Day safety is the most important and most overlooked part of any end of summer bash. While no one Labor Day activity is particularly unsafe, the combination of crowds, alcohol, increased travel and being around water can add an element of danger to holiday plans. Individuals must commit to safety with the same dedication to prevent mishaps and ensure mission success.

Many people view the holiday weekend as the end of summer and their last chance to travel, hit the beach, fire up the grill, etc. The Automobile Association of America estimated 34.1 million Americans traveled the 2013 holiday weekend. The National Safety Council estimated over 400 deaths just from traffic incidents and more than 40,500 medically consulted injuries.

The American Red Cross offers safety tips to help everyone have a safe and enjoyable holiday. While many people will spend the Labor Day weekend traveling and spending time with family and friends, no one should take a vacation from safety. It is still important that people work to remain vigilant on the road, at the beach and at cookouts.

The National Safety Council offers the following reminders for the weekend:

· Do not drink and drive.
· If drinking, make arrangements for a designated driver, taxi or Airmen Against Drunk  Driving.
· Wear a seat belt. It is estimated that 148 people may survive collisions this weekend because they will have worn safety belts.
· Enforce a distraction free zone for drivers. This includes cell phones, GPS, etc.
· Ensure children are in properly installed safety seats appropriate for their size.
· Allow plenty of travel time to discourage speeding and frustration.
· Drive alert and exercise extreme caution at all times.

Whether people spend the day at a lake or their own swimming pool, Labor Day safety is critical. Make sure young or inexperienced swimmers have floatation devices or life vests to use while in or around the water. When taking children to the lake, make sure they understand which areas are for boats and which areas are for swimming or floating on rafts.

Tips for safe swimming:

· Check weather and water conditions beforehand and throughout the day.
· Always swim with a buddy in a designated swimming area supervised by a lifeguard.
· Provide constant supervision to children in or near the water and always stay within arm's reach of young children and inexperienced swimmers while they are in the water.
· Young children and inexperienced swimmers should wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

Thinking about safety, applying risk management and taking the necessary precautions will make Labor Day as safe as it is fun.