The Navy recognizes the period from Memorial Day through Labor Day as the "Critical Days of Summer," a time when many Sailors are enjoying time off for leave and recreational activities and there's an increased chance to get hurt without proper risk management. An average of 17 Sailors die per year on average due to off-duty mishaps.

"The Critical Days of Summer are the most dangerous times of year, but are much safer if we keep our awareness high," stated Don Borkoski, Traffic and Recreation Off-Duty Specialist at the Naval Safety Center.

The loss of one life is too many and the Naval Safety Center recently launched an awareness campaign with summer safety training, available on the command's website.

Borkoski also recommended taking advantage of motorcycle training and mentorship programs this summer for those who ride, since motorcycle fatalities always increase during the summer months and over the last five years have accounted for 22 fatalities during the Critical Days of Summer.

The other leading causes of off-duty deaths are drowning, falling, and alcohol.

"If you start your summer activity with alcohol," stated Borkowski, "we may likely be reading about your mishap."

The leading injury causes are motorcycle crashes, falls, sports injuries, injuries from lawn and yard work, and heat over-exposure.

The number of summer injuries and deaths can be greatly reduced by managing risks, improving awareness of hazards and implementing mitigation controls. The same skills taught in Operational Risk Management (ORM) training apply off-duty as well and will allow Sailors to have fun this summer without becoming a statistic.

For additional resources, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen.


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