Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) joined forces May 15 to host an annual safety day event on Summerall Field on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base.
With a variety of vendors on site, JBM-HH Safety Programs Manager Leonard Davis said he hoped that the event would remind service members that they are responsible for their own safety.
"Their commander, their sergeant major, their squad leaders can't be there all the time," he said.
Dan Goff of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary briefed Soldiers on how to stay safe while on and in the water.
"Let's talk about boat safety," he said as a group of attendees gathered around a kayak he had on display. "You've probably heard that Great Falls is off-limits. It's off-limits for a very good reason."
Potomac River waters in Great Falls Park stretching from the Sycamore Island area to the Chain Bridge are off-limits to all swimmers, waders and cliff divers due to its rushing water, under currents, underwater caves that can easily trap a swimmer, rapids and large rocks and stones.
The prohibition of water activities in the Great Falls/Potomac River Gorge area is the law in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, and a directive against water activities was issued by the Military District of Washington in 1984.
Goff also reminded service members that when out on a kayak they are legally required to have life jackets. He also urged them to carry a whistle and flashlight as well.
Kerry Kolhof, The Old Guard's regimental safety manager, said that accidents can occur when even one minor safety precaution is overlooked.
"I'll give you the tools, but you've got to use them," he said.
Army Sgts. Jason Ross and Daniel Two Crow discussed vehicle safety with their fellow Soldiers, stressing the importance of correct tire pressure and tread; properly working brakes, headlights, taillights, seatbelts and mirrors.
The event also helped to kick-start awareness of other larger safety campaigns - such as the Army Summer Safety Campaign and Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which both take place in May. June marks national Safety Awareness Month.
The Motorcycle Mentorship Program also held a safety ride May 15. Forty-eight riders of all ages and skill levels made the ride from the base to the Shenandoah, said Army Staff Sgt. Allan Springer, who helped organize the ride.
"It was a great way to get out and meet other riders in the NCR," he said.
Springer said many of those who participated had never ridden in such a group.
"Our range of experience was less than a year of riding to 44 years of riding," he said.
For more summer safety articles, facts and tips, visit the following websites:
U.S. Army Combat Readiness and Safety Center: https://safety.army.mil/.
Naval Safety Center: www.public.navy.mil/comnavsafecen/Pages/index.aspx.
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