
Red Cross Offers 15 Summer Safety Tips for Swimming, Grilling and Attending Crowded Events: Accidents Happen – Learn First Aid and Give Blood to Help Those in Need
American Red Cross Los Angeles Region redcross.org/la Contact: Marium Mohiuddin Telephone: (310) 775-5288 marium.mohiuddin@redcross.org FOR MEDIA ONLY |

- Prevent unsupervised access to water. Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers, keep a constant eye for any water dangers such as portable splash pools/slides, buckets and bathtubs.
- Adults should actively supervise children and stay within arm’s reach of young children and new swimmers. Kids need to follow the rules.
- Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when on a boat and if in a situation beyond someone’s skill level.
- Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair – everyone, including experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards. Designate a ‘Water Watcher’ to keep a close eye and constant attention on children and weaker swimmers in and around the water until the next Water Watcher takes over.
- Download the Red Cross Swim App for kid-friendly games and activities and water safety information for parents and caregivers of young people learning how to swim. Download the app for free by searching for “American Red Cross” in your app store or at redcross.org/apps.
- Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
- Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
- Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
- Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
- Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.
- Have a few different methods to communicate – cell phone, tablet, calling card for a landline phone. Stay with the group – don’t go off alone. All adults should have a cell phone and exchange numbers with the others in the group. Plan where to meet should someone become separated.
- Find out what is allowed when it comes to items such as coolers, backpacks, etc. to avoid having to throw them away.
- Dress appropriately and in layers to be ready for any change in the weather. Stay hydrated. Apply sunscreen regularly.
- Watch the weather and seek shelter if any severe weather warnings are issued. Know where the exits and shelters are.
- Be on the lookout for suspicious activity and don’t be afraid to report suspicious people or packages.