JUNE 29, 2016, KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) – The summer months equate to a seemingly insatiable appetite to get outside and have some fun. Good weather, warm temperatures and the extra daylight hours instinctively drive people to a wide variety of outdoor activities, which simply put, are a lot of fun.
Summertime can be an enjoyable time to relax and recharge with family and friends. These enjoyable summertime activities do not come without hazards. Too often, what was thought to be risk-free fun turns into a not so enjoyable injury or accident. In fact, in recent years, exciting and fun activities like swimming, rock climbing, mountain biking and canoeing have needlessly claimed Airmen’s lives.
These injuries or accidents are almost always preventable through the application of solid risk management. “Do I have the right gear?” “Did I plan appropriately?” and “Do I have the necessary skills?” are essential questions to ask before diving into any summer fun. Identifying the hazards, assessing the consequences of those hazards and mitigating the risks are sound risk management principles, which can protect everyone.
Through increased awareness in the Air Force Risk Management program, the Air Force Safety Center looks to improve the use of sound risk management principles in on-duty activities and develop habits in each and every Airmen which make safety a part of every on-duty activity. These habits can easily translate into off-duty activities as well, helping to keep Airmen and their families safe all year long.
As the crowds step out to have some fun this summer, take the time to re-establish safety habits and make the choice to assess and reduce risk for a memorable summer of fun.