Nomads play it safe Published May 22, 2007 By 2nd Lt. Jim Lambertsen 33d Fighter Wing Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Memorial Day marks day one of the "101 Critical Days of Summer" program, an Air Force-wide safety campaign, and to jumpstart this program, the 33d Fighter Wing will host "Wing Safety Day" May 25. "The purpose of this day is to focus on our day to day activities and emphasize four main areas that impact family, friends and personnel: driving, boating, beaching and hurricane prep," said Lt. Col. Dennis Scarborough, 33d FW Chief of Safety. Typically during these 101 Critical Days, which spans from Memorial Day through Labor Day, there has been an increase in the number of fatalities associated with summer fun. One of the main points that will be made is that it pays to have a plan for when things go wrong. "Everyone needs a plan of action because no matter how safe you are, your day can be ruined by an individual who is not being safe and does not have a safety plan," Colonel Scarborough said. "Any moment can transition to crisis management." It's the tourist in the raft at the beach or the person speeding around in his boat who may not have the proper safety training. They can make a mistake at any moment that puts other safety-minded individuals in danger and this is where a proper safety plan comes in useful. According to the Air Force Safety Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., in past years, motor vehicle fatalities accounted for most of Air Force personnel losses on or off duty. Some of the factors in these mishaps included speeding, not using seatbelts or helmets, and alcohol. Driving during the summer month calls for cool heads on hot days and what better way to cool off than by the pool. "Child safety needs to be a top priority coming into the summer months now that all the children will be out of school and spending their days by the pool," said Tech. Sgt. Edwin Santos, 33d MOS Unit Safety Representative. "Some types of flotation devices such as child arm floaties provide a false sense of security; children can still drown whether they may be in one foot of water or one inch. Important life-saving summer fun facts like these will be covered during Wing Safety Day" Wing Safety Day takes place in the 33d MOS Training Hangar, and events will include presentations on driving safety, boating safety and disaster prep. In addition, law enforcement agencies will be on hand to conduct boat inspections and child safety seat inspections. Airmen should contact their unit safety representative for a complete list of events.