R 192100Z JUN 20
MARADMIN 360/20
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS(UC)//
SUBJ/2020 SUMMER SAFETY CAMPAIGN//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Summer is upon us. This year we are facing unique hazards and risks as we emerge from months of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) required social distancing and take up our favorite outdoor activities. Mishaps occur when normal routines are interrupted, and that has definitely happened for everyone. The potential for mishaps looms as we tackle seemingly innocuous household chores or fire up the grill. Over the last three years, the Navy/Marine Corps Team lost an average of 93 Marines, Sailors, and civilian employees in off-duty mishaps each year. While the rate is trending downward from 108 to 98 to 74 fatalities in Fiscal Years 17, 18, and 19 respectively, all of these mishaps are preventable and zero fatalities is our goal. Last summer eight Marine Corps personnel were killed and 228 were injured in off duty and recreational mishaps.
2. Water related activities such as swimming, boating, surfing, fishing, skiing, and scuba diving are a source of significant hazards. The risk of drowning is ever present. In 2017, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 4,291 mishaps resulting in 658 deaths, 2,629 injuries, and $46 million in damages as a result of recreational boating mishaps. Over the past five years 75 USMC off-duty water related mishaps had alcohol as a contributing factor.
3. Summer brings higher air-temperatures and humidity, which can injure or kill the most physically fit Marine or Sailor. Recognize and respect these hazards, assess associated risks, and implement necessary control measures. If you are outside, wear a hat and loose fitting clothes, use sunblock on your face and exposed skin, stay hydrated, and limit exposures to the sun and heat during the middle of the day.
4. This summer COVID-19 is a new and significant public health hazard. The virus threatens our readiness and our ability to respond when called. Every Marine, Sailor, Civilian Marine and family member must remain vigilant against the COVID-19 threat. Follow the CDC and chain of command guidelines.
5. Our Safety Division and the Naval Safety Center have compiled a “Summer Sampler” of recent mishaps to highlight off duty hazards on the range, in the field, while flying, and while working on the ramp, in the motor pool, office, or gun park. The silver lining behind these unfortunate incidents is that they were reported so that others may learn these lessons prior to making the same mistakes. https:(slash)(slash)intelshare.intelink.gov/sites/navsafe. Additional summer safety resources include the following: Marines TV https:(slash)(slash)www.marines.mil/News/Marines-TV and search videos for: (101 Days of Summer Videos) and seasonal and recreational/off duty safety briefing material on the Safety Division’s web page. https:(slash)(slash)www.safety.marines.mil/.
6. Leaders at every echelon should personally engage in identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls during the summer months. We continue to experience the same recreational off-duty mishaps resulting in injuries and deaths year after year. Let's work together to break the chain of events that leads to these entirely preventable mishaps. The first step is not letting our guard down when we are on leave or liberty.
7. Released authorized by Lieutenant General John J. Broadmeadow, Director, Marine Corps Staff.//