Staying safe on the beaches during July Fourth weekend

AccuWeather

AccuWeather's Ali Reid is in Asbury Park, New Jersey, one of many areas that is expected to be busy with beachgoers and tourists over the July Fourth weekend. She reminds us the importance of safety.

Transcript

00:00The Jersey Shore is gearing up for one of the busiest weekends of the summer.

00:04But as crowds pack the beaches for 4th of July,

00:07officials are reminding visitors that safety starts long before you step into the water.

00:11Come prepared with umbrellas, chairs, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of fluids to drink.

00:19And while the focus is usually on rip currents and swim conditions,

00:22beach patrols say the danger isn't just in the water.

00:25Just last week, a lifeguard in Asbury Park was impaled through the shoulder by a windblown umbrella.

00:32It's a reminder that even the most routine beach day can quickly turn dangerous.

00:36Accidents happen. It was no one's fault. A freak incident.

00:41If you want to put the umbrella in, make sure it's secure.

00:44Then put it up, okay, as opposed to putting it up and then trying to put it in.

00:48So just little tiny things like that to remind them that they can't have an accident.

00:53And it's not just what you bring, it's where you park your towel.

00:56Lifeguards say swimming near guarded areas is the number one way to prevent tragedies.

01:02That means knowing the flag system, listening for whistle warnings,

01:05and never assuming someone else is watching your kids.

01:08When you're on the beach, especially with young kids,

01:11you've got to watch them all the time going near the water

01:13because a wave comes in, knocks them off their feet, and they can go.

01:17Whether you're cooling off in the ocean or just soaking up the sun, safety starts with you.

01:22Lifeguards are doing their part.

01:25They just ask that you do yours too.

01:28For AccuWeather, I'm Allie Reed.

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