Outdoor safety awareness should increase with activity Published May 24, 2007 By John Ingle 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- As the lazy days of summer get closer and closer, there's never a good time for Team Sheppard personnel to get lazy about outdoor safety. Activity increases every year as the days get longer and the weather is nicer. Some activities include trips to nearby lakes, mountains or campsites. While this would seem like a time to relax, it is also a time to increase safety awareness. The number of boating fatalities on the country's lakes have steadily declined since 924 were reported in 1991 to the United States Coast Guard. States reported 676 fatalities out of 12,781,476 registered boats in the country. Another 3,363 injuries were reported as a result of 4,904 accidents. According to the Coast Guard's annual report, "approximately 70 percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned. Approximately 90 percent of the victims who drowned were not wearing their personal flotation device." Your water fun depends on you, your equipment and other people who, like yourself, enjoy spending leisure time on, in or near the water. Here are some of your responsibilities before and while you're out on a boat: Make sure the boat is in top operating condition and that there are no tripping hazards. The boat should be free of fire hazards and have clean bilges. Safety equipment, required by law, is on board, maintained in good condition, and you know how to properly use these devices. File a float plan with a relative or friend. Have a complete knowledge of the operation and handling characteristics of your boat. Know your position and know where you are going. Maintain a safe speed at all times to avoid collision. Keep an eye out for changing weather conditions, and act accordingly. Know and practice the Rules of the Road (Navigation Rules). Know and obey Federal and state regulations and waterway markers. Maintain a clear, unobstructed view forward at all times. "Scan" the water back and forth; avoid "tunnel" vision. Most boating collisions are caused by inattention. Two other popular summertime activities that usually go hand-in-hand are hiking and camping. They're a means to provide exercise while experience the serenity and beauty of nature. But, there are also dangers when taking an excursion into a forest or atop a mountain. It is always best to hike or camp with others for safety purposes. But, if you dare to venture off alone, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Having the proper equipment on hand is also key to a safe trip. Review the equipment, supplies and skills that you'll need. Consider what emergencies could arise and how you would deal with those situations. What if you got lost, or were unexpectedly confronted by an animal? What if someone became ill or injured? What kind of weather might you encounter? Add a hiking checklist to the supplies you would need to deal with these situations. With today's technology, there are many different options to have a way to communicate with the "outside" world. Cell phones and global positioning systems are good items to carry with you. Also know ahead of time where the nearest telephone and ranger station is located. Here are a few items to take on a hiking or camping trip: Candle and matches Extra clothing Extra food Compass First aid kit Flashlight Map Pocket knife Mirror for signaling Prescription medications Battery-operated radio Sunscreen Water