MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines and their families congregated under both rain and shine for a day of fun and safety in this year’s Summer Safety Family Fun Day, hosted by 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, June 18.
The event, which opened with a speech in the rain, made way to four hours of events in the sun as Marines and children alike partook in such attractions, from a dunk tank to volleyball games to face painting for the kids.
“It’s good to see all the games and activities for the kids,” said Pfc. Nicholas Said, a machine gunner with 3rd Batt., 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division.
Amidst all the fun and frolic was the message of the day, woven into the fabric of the family entertainment.
“The purpose of the event is to promote summer safety awareness as well as getting the unit together,” said Mark Borie, the family readiness officer with the battalion. “You put two-and-two together and get a big success.”
Borie stated that Marines should understand this is the time of year when most motorcycle accidents occur, and this event also reiterates base motorcycle safety rules.
“Along with motorcycle safety, we also have what is called a Safety Convincer, which simulates a car crash at ten miles an hour,” said Borie.
A basic lifeguard safety class was also held, teaching signs of how to spot a choking person in the water as well as how to clear that water from their lungs.
While the main purpose of the event was for summer safety in and out of the water, everyone still had a day full of family fun.
“Everyone has to love mandatory fun,” said Jennifer Hart, a civilian attending. “The commencement speech in the poor weather was pretty motivating.”
At the end of the day, the message of safety was well received by all, but so was the message to just have fun.