OKINAWA, Japan - Service members and their families who participate in recreational activities during summer months should remember to practice safety at all times by wearing personal protective equipment.
Every recreational activity has some type of PPE to help prevent injury and mishap. Even wearing the right clothing can prevent injury.
“If you don’t know what the PPE is for, take the time to research it before engaging and taking the risk,” said Forrest Williams, a safety specialist with Marine Corps Bases Japan Base Safety. “You wouldn’t go into combat without the right gear, so make sure you have it for any [potentially dangerous] activity.”
Different recreational activities have different PPE requirements, and all personnel participating in recreational activities on a military installation are required to have the proper safety equipment, according to Marine Corps Order 5100.30A
“We need to protect ourselves during off-duty activities so we can continue to put rounds down range and stay mission-ready,” said Williams. “How can we expect to protect our country and continue to fight for freedom if we get hurt playing sports?”
Being surrounded by water, Okinawa has a high rate of recreational water-related injuries. It is important to know your individual limits before entering the water.
“We have what’s called the 10 second rule,” said Mike Morrison, the chief scuba and snorkeling instructor at Camp Foster’s Tsunami Scuba. “If you spend more than 10 seconds staring at the ocean determining whether to participate, you should step back and assume it may be too dangerous.”
Manufacturers of recreational sports equipment suggest using PPE for each activity for which its products are designed.
“When people think of PPE, they think it only pertains to higher risk activities,” said Williams. “But in something as common as basketball, wearing the wrong shoes can cause serious sprains, broken bones and torn ligaments.”
PPE is not exclusive to those participating in extreme sports, and should be worn by all athletes, whether they are amateur or professional.
“Wearing the right equipment is something that needs to be taught at a young age,” said Williams. “For example, my two-year-old son has a kiddy skateboard, so we bought him a helmet. We have instilled in his mind that helmets and skating go hand-in-hand.”
The wearing of PPE affects people other than the athlete. If a person gets severely injured during recreational activities, those around them such as family and friends get hurt as well.
“Even professionals get hurt from time to time,” said Williams. “It is important to know your limits and know your capabilities.”