June: BSA recognizes National Safety Month

[fgoodwin]

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=48456

 

Boy Scouts of America Recognizes National Safety Month; Nation's Leading Youth Organization Offers Suggestions for a Safe Summer

 

6/7/2005 9:02:00 AM

 

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To: National Desk

 

Contact: Claire McLarty of Boy Scouts of America, 512-478-3335 or claire.mclarty@edelman.com

 

IRVING, Texas, June 7 /U.S. Newswire/ -- In response to America's more than 2.7 million accidental youth-related injuries each summer (see Note 1 below) the nation's leading youth service organization, the Boy Scouts of America, recognizes National Safety Month this June with its summer safety tips for families and youth.

 

As summer approaches and school semesters end, America's youth will fill class-free days with increased time outdoors through various summer activities, including organized sports, biking, and swimming. For swimming activities alone, more than 250 swimming-related deaths are estimated each year (See Note 2 below); drowning remains the second leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 14 (See Note 3 below). The BSA encourages Americans to have a safe summer by reminding everyone of these summer safety guidelines.

 

"During the summer, the pace is often a bit more relaxed, and it can be easy to forget the importance of safety, but taking the time to be prepared can help people enjoy summer fully," said Debra Griffith, director, Risk Management, BSA. "The BSA wants to remind everyone that just because summer offers a break from work or school doesn't mean people should relax their focus on safety. In fact, the BSA knows how much more fun summer can be when everyone makes sure to put safety first."

 

Through the Good Turn for America initiative, the BSA supports a number of programs that help improve the community, but none of these programs can be successful without a commitment to safety from those involved. As a result, the BSA encourages all Americans to work and play safely this summer.

 

In recognition of National Safety Month, the BSA suggests that everyone abide by the following 12 principles of safety, which are applicable to a host of summer activities:

 

-- Planning. Good planning minimizes risks and anticipates contingencies that may require an emergency response or a change of plan. Emergency communications also need to be considered in advance for any foreseeable contingencies.

 

-- Qualified Supervision. Every activity should be supervised by a conscientious adult. The supervisor should be sufficiently trained, experienced, and skilled in the activity to be confident of his or her ability to lead and teach the necessary skills and to respond effectively in an emergency.

 

-- Physical Fitness. Supervisor should receive a complete health history from a health-care professional, parent, or guardian for youth participants in any potentially strenuous activity. The supervisor should adjust all supervision, discipline, and protection to anticipate potential risks associated with individual health conditions.

 

-- Buddy System. The long history of the buddy system has shown that it is always best to have at least one other person with you and aware at all times of your circumstances and what you are doing in virtually any activity.

 

-- Safe Area or Course. Know the area or course for the activity and make sure that it is well suited for your activity and free of hazards.

 

-- Equipment Selection and Maintenance. Check equipment to determine whether it is in good condition for the activity and make sure it is maintained properly while in use.

 

-- Safety Procedures. For most activities, commonsense procedures and standards can greatly reduce risk. These should be known and appreciated by all participants, and the supervisor must ensure compliance. Supervisors must ensure that every participant has and uses the appropriate personal safety equipment.

 

-- Skill Level Limits. Every activity has a minimum skill level. Identify and recognize this level and be sure participants are not put at risk by attempting any activity beyond their abilities.

 

-- Weather Check. The risks of many outdoor activities vary substantially with weather conditions. Potential weather hazards and the appropriate responses should be understood and anticipated.

 

-- Permits and Notices. Any permits, authorizations, or similar formalities are the supervisor's responsibility when such are required. Appropriate notification should be directed to parents, enforcement authorities, landowners, and others as needed, before and after the activity.

 

-- First-Aid Resources. Determine what first-aid supplies to include among the activity equipment. The level of first-aid training and skill appropriate for the activity should also be considered. Whatever is determined to be needed should be available.

 

-- CPR Resource. Any strenuous activity could present a cardiac emergency. A person trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be available during events that involve strenuous activity.

 

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Serving nearly 4.1 million young people between 7 and 20 years of age with more than 300 councils throughout the United States and its territories, the Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. For more information on the BSA, visit http://www.scouting.org

 

NOTES:

 

(1) National SAFE KIDS Campaign

 

(2) U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

 

(3) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National SAFE KIDS Campaign

 

http://www.usnewswire.com/

 

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/ 2005 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/

[SemperParatus]

Yeah!

 

In honor of this special month, I will reread my copy of The Guide to Safe Scouting from cover to cover while on vacation.

 

(This message has been edited by SemperParatus)