A day on the water

1. A dayon the water

2. Over Their HeadsSailor and Marine Drownings, FY07-FY11 • 42 personnel drowned • 20 were E-3 and E-4 • 24 occurred from May through August Summer 2012 safety Campaign Live to play, play to live

3. From Mishap Narratives • “Came back from liberty severely intoxicated, fell off the pier…” • “After drinking an unknown amount of alcohol, victim was last seen at midnight taking a swim... Local authorities had issued a red flag on the beach due to strong currents and waves.” • “Intended to swim 125 meters to join a group on the far shore. Victim and partner said they were worried about the distance. Partner said that because victim was in great shape and others had made it, they could make it across.” Summer 2012 safety Campaign Live to play, play to live

4. From Mishap Narratives, cont. • “Tried to swim across a river… swept downstream through the rapids and under the bridge. Body found down river four days later by a local fisherman.” • “Boating with family members. Standing in the boat facing aft while operator passed under a bridge. Struck head on bottom of bridge.” • “Entered the water in Typhoon Condition 3. Was asked if he was OK. Replied, ‘Yes, I'm OK, I'm a good swimmer.’” Summer 2012 safety Campaign Live to play, play to live

5. How Personnel Got In Over Their Heads • Five were boating (two others were kayaking and two were whitewater rafting) • Three were overcome by rip currents at a beach • Three were very drunk (one jumped off a bridge, another went swimming at midnight) • Two were snorkeling, and two others were recreational diving (one in a cave) Summer 2012 safety Campaign Live to play, play to live

6. Months When Sailors and Marines Drowned Data: FY07-FY11 Summer 2012 safety Campaign Live to play, play to live

7. Water Survival • Be realistic about your ability • Learn to swim • Swim in areas where a life guard is on duty, and do what the lifeguard tells you • Supervise children • Obey signs • Recognize water conditions and depths Summer 2012 safety Campaign Live to play, play to live

8. Sunburn • Your day (or week) at the beach will be much more fun if you don’t get sunburned • Especially if you are fair or haven’t had much sun, apply plenty of a high-SPF sunscreen (your skin will thank you in the long run) • Avoid “the burning rays” (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) • Even if you are under an umbrella, reflected sun from water and sand will hit your skin Summer 2012 safety Campaign Live to play, play to live

9. Rip Currentsand Rough Surf • Learn to recognize the signs of rip currents • Rough undertow is more common and can be just as lethal to weak swimmers • If you have any doubts about the water, don’t go past your knees and keep an eagle eye on kids Summer 2012 safety Campaign Live to play, play to live

10. Lifeguards • Listen to their guidance and warnings • When they say “Don’t go in the water” and post warning flags, or whistle that you are too far away from shore, listen up and comply—they’ve watched too many people learn the hard way Summer 2012 safety Campaign Live to play, play to live

11. Diving In • Don’t dive into water when you aren’t sure how deep it is • Jump feet-first first • Note that the water still might be too shallow—personnel have injured their feet and ankles by jumping onto rocks in murky water Summer 2012 safety Campaign Live to play, play to live

12. At the Beach • Obey posted warnings and rules, including parking • Don’t O.D. on the water and sun—it isn’t a marathon • Avoid the hottest part of long summer days—mornings and afternoons are more pleasant and less crowded Summer 2012 safety Campaign Live to play, play to live