UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 262011Z MAY 21 MID200000889952U FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 043/21 MSGIG/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/MAY // SUBJ/101 DAYS OF SUMMER SAFETY MESSAGE// RMKS/1. The Navy and Marine Corps designate May 28 through Sept. 6, 2021 as the "101 Critical Days of Summer" - a safety campaign dedicated to ensuring a season free from Sailor and Marine injuries or fatalities. The safety campaign is intended to increase Service Members' knowledge and understanding of dangers involved with recreational activities and everyday summer endeavors. 2. The inviting summer days traditionally come with increased hazards and risks as travel and recreational activities increase. Sadly, we lose more Sailors and Marines during this time of year than any other. For example, as the weather gets warmer and the days grow longer, we typically spend more time swimming, boating, and riding motorcycles. Often we participate in these inherently dangerous activities without stopping to think about how to mitigate potential risks which inevitably leads to mishaps and injuries. 3. The summer of 2020 was one of the Navy and Marine Corps' safest on record, however, we still lost 30 Sailors and Marines to off-duty accidents between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Private motor vehicle accidents accounted for the highest number of fatalities in 2020, followed by water- related incidents. This year, and particularly as Coronavirus restrictions are lifted and travel increases, we must take special care not to overlook the risks associated with our summertime outdoor and recreational activities and take the necessary steps to mitigate them. Use all required protective equipment, keep yourself healthy and hydrated, and practice good judgment, both on and off duty. One loss of a Sailor or Marine is too many. 4. In addition to personal responsibility, we urge commanders, supervisors, and all Navy and Marine Corps team members to look out for each other physically, mentally, and spiritually. Taking care of each other in this manner ensures we are ready to win today, prepare for tomorrow, and sustain ourselves as the greatest naval force in the world. Our operational tempo remains high; but so do related stressors, and we all need to be attentive to our fellow Sailors' and Marines' safety. 5. So as summer begins, we offer our sincere gratitude for your continued commitment to protecting our great Nation, and we hope you take some well - deserved time this summer to enjoy family and friends, and recharge your batteries. But, please do so wisely and safely, assess and manage the risks in all you do, and be sure to apply risk management principles and self- discipline as you enjoy summertime activities. Together, we can successfully enjoy our well-deserved time while navigating all the safety challenges this summer may bring our way. 6. We extend our warmest wishes to you and your families for a relaxing, rewarding, healthy, and safe summer. 7. Released by the Honorable Thomas W. Harker, Acting Secretary of the Navy.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//