With the Fourth of July weekend approaching and individuals participating in outdoor recreational activities, the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) safety manager stressed the importance of maintaining good safety practices during the '101 Critical Days of Summer.'

CNATT Safety Manager Krystal Hancock said during the Fourth of July weekend, and the summer season overall, there is a significant spike in reported safety mishaps on and off-duty.

"We're fortunate to live in an area with wonderful opportunities for several outdoor activities," Hancock said. "But along with these sorts of activities comes inherent risk, and I am encouraging everyone to make sure they're considering possible safety concerns while enjoying their time with family and friends."

According to Hancock, some of the most common summer safety mishaps for individuals in the Pensacola, Florida, area are easily avoidable with planning and common sense. She stressed the following as general beach safety tips:

Check surf conditions before heading out
Alcohol, swimming, and water sports do not mix
Never dive into unknown waters
Local sand shifts constantly; beware of changing depths
If you get into trouble in the water, call and wave for help early
Never swim alone
Seek shelter at the first sound of thunder
Wear sunscreen; reapply after swimming and every two hours
Beware of local wildlife

Hancock added heat stress and related injuries are also avoidable by wearing lightweight clothing, moderating alcohol and caffeinated beverages, drinking a cup of water for every 15 minutes of strenuous activity in the sun, and knowing the warning signs of heat stress -- dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, and cessation of sweating. She also said fireworks, a Fourth of July mainstay, can present significant safety concerns for individuals using them and offered these tips on their use:

Obey local laws
Ensure there aren't any bans in place due to dry conditions
Never place any body part directly over fireworks when lighting
Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks
Always have an adult supervising fireworks (including sparklers)
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that haven't ignited
Back up a safe distance after lighting the fuse
Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy
Take pet precautions for your frightened companions

Hancock added CNATT service members, civilian employees and their families -- whether at the command's headquarters in Pensacola or throughout the organization's detachments, units and learning centers -- are part of a team and stressed safety issues can dramatically impact the organization's capabilities.

"We're all dedicated to ensuring the men and women who come through our classrooms are ready to do their jobs in the fleet," she said. "And being safe is a big part of that. Have fun, take care of your shipmates, and continue to be part of one of the best organizations."

CNATT is the technical training agent for the Naval Aviation Enterprise, an organization designed to advance and sustain naval aviation warfighting capabilities at an affordable cost, and is the largest training center under the Naval Education and Training Command.

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