SEOUL, Republic of Korea – Seoul-based Sailors kicked off the annual “101 Critical Days of Summer” campaign with a safety stand down at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, May 22.
The stand down, led by facilitators from the Commander, Navy Region Korea (CNRK) staff, provided Sailors and Navy civilian employees with tips to promote traffic and recreational safety awareness during the upcoming summer season.
“The summer safety stand down is important because it serves as a training tool to remind our personnel of the tragic trends that we see in deaths caused by mishaps,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 William Norton, CNRK security and safety officer. “Right now, our rates in accidental deaths often exceed combat and operational related deaths.”
The theme for the summer safety stand down was "Live to Play, Play to Live".
More than 90 Sailors and civilian employees attended briefings on motorcycle safety, alcohol awareness, firearm safety, heat casualties, and recreational injury prevention.
Additionally, Sailors were advised to use the "buddy system" during off-duty activities and received training in active bystander intervention in support of the Navy’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program.
“It’s vital that we routinely provide information and resources for our Sailors,” said Command Master Chief Loretta Glenn. “They must identify the risks that are inherent in their workplace, on liberty, and at home. We always encourage a proactive approach to safety that decreases the likelihood of accidents and allows everyone to enjoy the summer season both safely and responsibly.”
The “101 Critical Days of Summer” campaign starts on Memorial Day and ends on Labor Day, covering a time period when travel, outdoor activities, and vehicle traffic increases across the Korean peninsula.
Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea is the regional commander for the U.S. Navy in the Republic of Korea and provides expertise on naval matters to area military commanders, including the Commander for the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command, and Commander, U.S. Forces Korea.