MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- While Airmen and their families are encouraged to 'live to play, play to live', safety is of the upmost importance during the 101 days of summer. 

The 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign will run from Memorial Day, May 22, to Labor Day, Sept. 7. This Air Force-wide campaign is designed to reduce the number of accidents and mishaps during a time of year when mishap and accident rates traditionally increase. 

The Pacific Air Forces' 101 CDS campaign aims to create a supportive environment that encourages responsible and safe behavior for Air Force personnel and their family during the highest peak period of the year. The mission objective is to have zero preventable deaths during the 2009 critical days of summer. 

In 2008, the Air Force experienced its lowest fatality rate in 15 years however, 16 Airmen lost their lives during the 101 critical days of summer. PACAF experienced on of the safest summers on record with zero fatalities and a significant reduction in every mishap category. 

"PACAF is a world-class organization and we do not accept unnecessary mishaps as a cost of doing business," Gen. Carrol Chandler, PACAF commander, wrote in a May message to PACAF personnel. "Our goal is zero preventable mishaps; one fatality is too many. 

"Commander focus, supervisor involvement and personal risk management remain the key ingredients to a successful mishap prevention program," he continued. "It is every Airman's responsibility to apply personal risk management during all on and off-duty activities." 

The 35th Fighter Wing safety office is taking an active approach to safety awareness this summer. They plan to promote safety in such areas as motorcycle riding, water sports, bicycle riding, summer heat, grilling and traveling, according to Master Sgt. Algernon Johnson, 35th FW ground safety manager. Look for information and events to be posted throughout the summer. This aggressive approach to safety has lead to a reduction in mishaps over recent years. In 2008, Misawa experience three reportable mishaps during the 101 CDS, compared to nine mishaps in 2006 and six mishaps in 2007. 

"Safety information is flowing from leaders down to the lowest ranks," said Sergeant Johnson. "We are educating our people, listening to workers' concerns and promoting good choices." 

With that being said, Sergeant Johnson said he wants to encourage everyone to open the summer with enthusiasm - relax and experience Japan and make 2009 the best summer yet. 

"Be a good wingman, analyze your actions and environment and do not accept unnecessary risk," General Chandler wrote. "Live to play, play to live."