Summer sport safety: get in the game

Published June 3, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Bass
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Summer is here all across the Northern hemisphere, and Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina is no exception, and with summer comes participation in hot-weather sports.

With the Air Force's 2014 Critical Days of Summer campaign in full swing, summer sports safety should be a consideration for all Airmen and their families.

This year's theme is, Risk: Double checks, not second thoughts.

Summer sports safety can be boiled down to three essential points; hydration, stretching and conditioning, and the wear of proper gear.

"The first thing you need to do is stay hydrated," said Charlie Glover, 20th Force Support Squadron fitness and sports director. "It's highly important in the South with the temperatures rising into the 90's or 100's and the humidity reaching more than 80 percent."

"If you're dehydrated your body can't meet its full capabilities," said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Vincent, 20th Fighter Wing ground safety technician. "We always tell people to drink water, but don't forget sports drinks, which will replace the electrolytes that your body sweats out."

In addition to proper hydration, conditioning the body properly for the activity is important, don't start off by trying to run a 5K, said Vincent.

Stretching before any physical activity, particularly in the summer is necessary and could lessen or even prevent injury or cramps, said Glover.

Vincent said that before exercising, a minimum of 10 minutes of dynamic stretching is required to increase blood flow to muscles, ligaments and tendons, making them more pliable.

Knowing your limits is a crucial part of safety, especially during the hot summer months.

"Know your capabilities," said Glover. "Follow your instincts."

After stretching and conditioning, wearing proper gear needs to be considered.

"It may seem dorky but if you're riding a bike, you need to wear a helmet," said Vincent.

Vincent added that the use of operational risk management and situational awareness can save a life.

"Don't run on the roads on base," said Glover. "We have more than 6 miles of running trails on base that will keep you safe."

Vincent said to wear light-colored clothing in order to be seen easier and to wear reflective gear, while also making sure your clothes are loose-fitting, and made of a woven fabric.

Whatever the summer sport may be, staying safe is the objective. This summer, Airmen and their families will succeed in their mission of summer safety, and be one step closer to succeeding the Air Force's mission as a whole.