Being unaware is a high risk to summer activities

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Darrell Leatherman
  • 82nd Training Wing Safety Office
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Air Force regards its members as its most important asset and requires each of us to take reasonable care to prevent injury or loss of life. 

High-risk sports and recreational activities require particular vigilance. The purpose of this program is not intended to dissuade participation, but rather for you to gather informational awareness about a particular activity and gain experience before actively participating in that activity. 

That way you'll be armed with valuable information needed to ensure you don't become an injury or a fatality statistic during the 101 Critical Days of Summer Safety Campaign. 

Personnel participating in high risk activities must inform their immediate supervisor of their participation. Check with your respective unit commander or first sergeant for specific activities that may apply to personnel in your squadron. 

In no case does the commander's role replace the individual's responsibility.  Individuals must exercise common sense, sound judgment and use personal risk management to preserve their ability to perform their Air Force duties. Take the time needed to address risk management and don't just jump into an activity without first realizing the inherent dangers of that activity. 

Remember the old adage to "look before you leap." 

Informational resources are available at most reputable commercial organizations that deal with a particular activity. Another source would be the Internet where you can surf various sites to gain insight into an activity or chat with others who may have personal experience with that activity. 

Be careful not to take a lot of the information found on the World Wide Web as gospel. You may want to get several different opinions first, then weigh your options based on the factual portions so you can make an informed decision whether to participate in that activity or not. 

Examples of high-risk activities include: all-terrain vehicle use; auto racing; boating; bungee jumping; civil helicopter flying; civil light aircraft flying; dirt bike/motocross; experimental aircraft flying; hot air ballooning; hunting; jet skiing; motorcycle racing; mountain climbing; rappelling; rodeo activities; ski jumping; sky diving; snowmobiling; scuba diving; soaring and parasailing; white water rafting and ultra-light aircraft. 

The 82nd Training Wing Safety Division serves as an additional resource to support the commander's HRA program. While we are not experts in the various activities, we can provide technical data and assistance in the risk assessment process. 

For more information, call 676-4149.