NORTH COAST, Calif. – People are looking forward to the upcoming July 4 holiday weekend and the American Red Cross has steps they can follow to stay safe when enjoying the fireworks or taking a trip to the beach.

“This coming weekend, millions of people will hold cookouts and barbecues, visit beaches and pools, and watch fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July,” said Jeff Baumgartner, CEO, American Red Cross of the California Northwest. “The American Red Cross has developed simple steps that will help ensure everyone enjoys a safe and prepared holiday. Additionally, we also invite the public to  download our First Aid and Swim Apps to have important safety information at their fingertips.”

FIREWORKS SAFETY

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show.

Many cities and states outlaw most fireworks.

If someone is setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

· Never give fireworks to small children.
· Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
· Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
· Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
· Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
· Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
· Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
· Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

BEACH SAFETY

If holiday plans include visiting the beach, learn how to swim in the surf. Swim only at a beach with a lifeguard, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.

While enjoying the water, keep alert and check the local weather conditions. Other safety steps include:

· Swim sober and always swim with a buddy. Make sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore.
· Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
· Protect your neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters.
· Keep a close eye and constant attention on children and adults while at the beach. Wave action can cause someone to lose their footing, even in shallow water.
· Watch out for aquatic life. Water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants and leave animals alone.

RIP CURRENTS

Rip currents are responsible for deaths on our nation’s beaches every year, and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards. Any beach with breaking waves may have rip currents. Be aware of the danger of rip currents and remember the following:

· If you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can't swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
· Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.

DOWNLOAD SWIM, FIRST AID APPS

The Red Cross Swim App promotes water safety education and helps parents and caregivers of young people learning how to swim.

The app has features specifically designed for children, including a variety of kid-friendly games, videos and quizzes.

It also contains water safety information for parents on a variety of aquatic environments including beaches and water parks.

The First Aid App provides instant access to expert guidance on a variety of situations from insect bites and stings to choking and Hands-Only CPR.

People can download the apps for free by searching for “American Red Cross” in their app store or at http://redcross.org/apps .

HOME POOL ESSENTIALS COURSE

The Red Cross and National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF) have developed an online safety course for pool and hot tub owners.

Home Pool Essentials helps people understand the risks of pool ownership, how to maintain a safer and cleaner pool, what safety equipment is appropriate, how to prevent pool and hot tub entrapment hazards, and how to respond to an emergency.