Independence Day safety tips for any celebration

Whether you're hitting the beach, celebrating at home with family and friends, or enjoying a parade or fireworks show in town, make sure you're staying safe this Independence Day. 

The wind and the waves: Beach and pool safety

• Check the weather and water conditions beforehand and throughout the day.
• Swim only at a lifeguard-protected beach within the designated swimming area and obey all safety rules.
• Avoid alcohol and make sure to never swim alone
• Actively supervise children at all times – even if a lifeguard is present. Stay within arm’s reach of young children when they are in the water.
• Have weak swimmers and children wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Don’t rely on water wings or inflatable toys
• Always enter shallow water feet first. Dive only in areas marked safe for diving.

Fun in the sun

• Limit the amount of direct sunlight one receives between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15 throughout the day.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.
• Wear sunglasses that will absorb UV sunlight to protect your eyes.
• Remember to protect your feet by wearing some kind of beach shoes.

Blast, bang, BOOM: Fireworks safety

• Never give fireworks or sparklers to small children. Try these eight kid-friendly ideas instead.
• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
• Protect your hearing. Adults can wear foam ear plugs. Use earmuffs for small children, but don't expose babies to loud noises.

Getting your grill on — safely!

• Always watch the barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in a house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
• Make sure children and pets stay away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tents, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.
• When cooking meat, use a thermometer to make sure it's cooked to a safe temperature.
• Get more summer grilling safety tips.

If an accident happens

Even when we do our best to stay safe, accidents still happen. We're here for you when you need us in our emergency room and urgent cares.