R 031815Z MAY 21
MARADMIN 244/21
MSGID/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/MARINE CORPS SUMMER SAFETY MESSAGE 2021//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  As Marines begin to look forward to resuming favorite summer outdoor activities, we must continue to look out for each other by continuously assessing risks.  Mishaps occur when we let our guard down, especially when the event we are executing is considered "routine".  The potential for mishaps is ever present in seasonal household chores and outdoor activities.  Over the last three years, the Marine Corps/Navy team lost an annual average of 19 Marines, Sailors, and civilian Marines in off-duty mishaps.  In FY-19, off-duty mishap fatality numbers improved.  However, FY-20 saw an increase in off duty mishap fatalities.  Sound judgment and good decision making are a part of planning, both on and off-duty.  Most off-duty mishaps are preventable.  Zero fatalities is the goal.
2.  On-duty, lack of risk management is the leading causal factor of water-related mishaps.  Alcohol is the leading factor off-duty.  Water-related activities, such as swimming, boating, surfing, fishing, skiing, and scuba diving come with associated hazards.  The risk of drowning is ever present, and does not discriminate.  Look out for each other.
3.  With summer comes higher air temperatures and humidity that can injure and kill even the most physically fit Marine, Sailor, or civilian Marine.  Recognize and respect these hazards.  Plan accordingly, assess the associated risks, and implement the necessary controls.  Prepare for the environment.  Limit exposure to the sun.  Wear a hat and loose fitting clothes; use sunblock on any exposed skin.  Drink water.  Taking the necessary precautions will keep you fighting fit.
4.  This summer, the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to affect daily activities.  The fight is not over.  Continue to remain vigilant against the COVID-19 threat.  Follow all Center for Disease Control, local government, and chain of command guidelines.
5.  The Marine Corps Safety Division and the Naval Safety Center have compiled a lessons learned library of mishaps to highlight off-duty hazards across a spectrum of activities.  They are available so that others may learn these lessons prior to making the same mistakes.  Leaders should take time to review these lessons learned with their Marines.  The links for these resources are:  https:(slash)(slash)navalsafetycenter.navy.mil and https:(slash)(slash)portal.marinenet.usmc.mil/content/mnet-portal/en/library/my-folders.html.
6.  Every Marine, Sailor, and civilian Marine needs to personally engage in identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls.  The Marine Corps continues to experience preventable tragedies, resulting in needless injuries and deaths, year after year.  Work together to break the cycle of events that leads to preventable losses.
7.  Released authorized by Major General Gregg P. Olson, Staff Director of the Marine Corps.//