ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE BASE DARWIN, Australia -- The sun is shining bright, the temperature is still high and people are flocking to the pools to receive some relief from the intense heat. With this relief comes a heightened potential of drowning.
"The number of drowning accidents that occur, greatly improves during the summer months simply because more people are swimming," said Petty Officer 3rd class Jonathon Akers, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212 corpsman. "The other major problem that service members have is taking unnecessary risks."
Swimming in restricted areas, jumping off rocks and cliffs, swimming without a buddy and fighting the currents of rivers and streams are all potential drowning hazards.
"A lot of service members think that they are invincible, and a lot of times unfortunately they are proven wrong,? said Akers. "We try and educate the service members on water safety, but it is up to them to pay attention and not take unnecessary risks."
Every summer before people start hitting the pools and lakes, all Marines are required to attend a safety stand down on the potential risks out on the water, including boat and personal water craft safety.
"Boat safety is also extremely important. When people get on a jet ski a lot of them become reckless, and can end up hurting somebody," said Akers.
Water safety is extremely important especially in the summer months.
"Whenever you are swimming, you should always be with a buddy no matter what," said Lt. Col. Bruce Bright, VMFA 212 commanding officer. "Pools, lakes, rivers and streams can all be a great place to spend a summer afternoon, but they can also be very dangerous."