MCAS Beaufort gears up for 101 Days of Summer

Photo By Cpl. Terry Haynes | A Marine participates in a simulated drunk driving course at a booth during the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort aboard MCAS Beaufort May 14. Participants wore goggles that affected the driver’s eyesight as they went through the course to simulate the effects of drunk driving. The event was held to bring awareness to how Marines can be safe during the “101 Days of Summer”.  

BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

05.17.2018

Story by Lance Cpl. Terry Haynes 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Marines, Sailors and civilians participated in a safety fair aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort May 14.

The command sponsored event safety fair was held to give personnel resources and educational tools so they can remain safe during the summer months.

“The command really cares about the safety of the Marines here and we wanted to have an event that would help raise awareness for the 101 days of Summer,” said Ron Lanoie, the director of the MCAS Beaufort safety department. “The 101 Days of Summer is typically the DoD’s
most hazardous season that runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We have been able to provide a lot of valuable information and resources for the Marines and Sailors here today when it comes to safety, not only here, but also at home.”

The safety fair also showcased MCAS Beaufort’s status as a Voluntary Protection Program star site. As a star site, MCAS Beaufort upholds rigorous safety standards. In the VPP, management and workers establish cooperative relationships to identify risks and mitigate them.

“The VPP initiative takes it one step farther when it comes to the aspects of health and safety aboard the air station,” said Craig Kovacs, a safety specialist with the MCAS Beaufort safety department. “We are committed to having effective worksite-based safety and helath. With VPP, we tend to stay a lot safer with the amount of education we are able to provide.”

A group of organizations such as the South Carolina State Park Service, Provost Marshals Office, and Marine Corps Community Services all operated booths where they gave Marines and Sailors tips on common problems that occur during the summertime. Representatives had demonstrations on topics from pool safety and the dangers of the sun to a drunk driving obstacle course where participants wore goggles which allowed them to experience the effects of alcohol on their
motor skills.

“This was a great and interactive way to learn about safety,” said Sgt. Chris Flowers, a bulk fuels specialist with Marine Wing Support Detachment 31. “I think it’s good that a little bit of fun helps to educate the Marines. I’m definitely going to use what I learned here to keep myself and my family safe during the summer.”

• Date Taken: 05.17.2018
• Date Posted: 05.17.2018 15:20
• Story ID: 277403
• Location: BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA, US