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By Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Teneyck
NAPLES, Italy — Summertime is a season spent around barbecues with friends, playing golf and riding motorcycles. It brings long, hot days perfect for boating and swimming in cool water. For many people being around water, whether the beach or a lake, is something they have experienced most of their lives. Yet boating and swimming accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death among service members during the summer months.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 3,443 fatal unintentional drownings in the United States in 2007. In addition, 496 people died from drowning and other causes in boating related accidents. More recently, one sailor and two Marines drown in unrelated incidents within the last 30 days. Although these statistics report fatal accidents, many more injuries occur from non-fatal drownings which can result in long-term disabilities such as memory problems, learning disabilities and loss of basic functions.
For many service members, the beach is a welcome escape from the strain of long work days, deployments and duty. “It’s one way to relieve stress,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Vicki Boozer, a culinary specialist and flag mess specialist assigned to U.S. 6th Fleet, based in Naples, Italy. “The beaches around [Naples] are beautiful.”
Sun-drenched beaches throughout Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia are visited by millions of people every year. With alcohol readily available along these beaches, irresponsible use by personnel can ruin careers and lives. According to the CDC, alcohol is involved in up to half of all deaths associated with water recreation, and approximately one in five reported boating fatalities. Alcohol influences balance, coordination, and judgment. These effects are heightened by exposure to the sun.
“The same rules for driving under the influence in 2- and 4-wheel vehicles applies to operating a boat, and the requirement to be responsible when using alcohol applies at all times,” said Steven Kalnasy, deputy region safety director for Navy Region EURAFSWA. “You may still have an accident without using alcohol, but by including it in your plans you increase the likelihood that something will go wrong."
Although not drinking alcohol will reduce the risk of injury and death, risk cannot be eliminated completely. Service members should still be conscious of the dangers associated with water recreation and take precautions to minimize the risks to themselves and others.
"Being unprepared seems to be the main factor in most mishaps in and on the water,” added Kalnasy. “Do a simple risk management drill before you go.”
Kalnasy recommends checking the weather and water conditions before leaving for the beach. The CDC also recommends watching for dangerous waves and rip currents. Rip currents can be identified by water that is discolored and choppy, foamy or filled with debris that is moving in a channel away from shore. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until free from the currents path. Then swim safely to shore.
The Naval Safety Center encourages service members to visit beaches with lifeguards on duty whenever possible. “Ensure you let someone where you are going and when you will return,” said Kalnasy. “Never swim or boat alone.”
Boating is an activity that can be especially dangerous. The U.S Coast Guard deals with thousands of boating incidents every year. The Coast Guard recommends before ever taking a boat out to sea, operators should take a course on safe boating practices. Knowing proper operation of the craft and rules of the road will allow operators to safely transport passengers through waterways. Also, perform an inspection before leaving the pier and ensure the boat is sea worthy.
The Naval Safety Center, CDC and Kalnasy all agree that one of the simplest safety measures when boating is wearing a life jacket. The Coast Guard emphasizes, “properly fitted life jackets can prevent drownings and should be worn by everyone, at all times.”
According to the CDC, in 2008, the Coast Guard received reports for 4,789 boating incidents; 3,331 of the boaters in those incidents were injured and 709 boaters died. Of those who died from drowning, 9 of 10 were not wearing life jackets. Ensuring that all passengers on board wear life jackets is an easy way to save lives and can greatly reduced the risk of fatality.
Swimming and boating can be dangerous, but with the proper precautions and planning these activities can be safe and enjoyable for the whole family. “Be smart about your planning,” said Kalnasy, “and the odds of returning home safely are increased.”
For more information on swimming and boating safety visit www.safetycenter.navy.mil and www.cdc.gov. Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia is responsible for providing efficient and effective shore service support to U.S. and allied forces operating at our installations. For more information about Navy Region Europe, visit http://www.cnic.navy.mil/europe.
| Date Taken: | 07.28.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.28.2010 05:42 |
| Story ID: | 53524 |
| Location: | NAPLES, IT |
| Web Views: | 223 |
| Downloads: | 148 |
This work, Summer Sports Dangers: Swimming/Boating: The Fifth Story of a Five Part Series on the Hazards Associated With Summer Activities, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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