Media Contact: Dave Sieburg
(669) 209-5266 | NCCRPublicAffairs@redcross.org

SAN FRANCISCO, JULY 22, 2026 — Summer is here, the time to enjoy the great outdoors and warm weather. But it’s important that everyone enjoy an emergency free summer, so the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region offers steps you can follow to help keep you and your loved ones safe throughout the summer.

“Here in Northern California, beach days, swimming, and outdoor activities brings so much fun, but it also brings risks like extreme heat and wildfires” said Aquatics and First Responders Account Representative Rafael Xavier. “We offer safety tips for all sorts of summer activities as well as summer risks.”

SWIMMING: Drowning can happen quickly and silently. Unless rescued, it could take as little as 20 to 60 seconds for a drowning person to submerge. Be “water smart” ─ build confidence in the water by learning to be safer, making good choices, learning to swim and knowing how to handle emergencies.

• Never swim alone – adults and teens as well as children. Never leave a young child unattended near water, and do not trust a child’s life to another child. Swim in an area with lifeguards.
• Designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Reach or throw, don't go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble and tell them to grab on to it. Don’t go in! You could become a victim yourself.

BEACH SAFETY: Northern California beaches can be beautiful, but conditions can change quickly. Swim only at a beach with a lifeguard, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards and ask them about local conditions.

• Protect your neck — don’t dive in headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life.
• If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and don’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Then, turn and swim to shore. If you can't swim to shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore. Draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.
• Keep children and weaker swimmers within arm’s reach.
• When thunder roars, stay indoors. Watch the weather and get out of the water at the first sign of lightning or the rumble of thunder. Stay indoors and away from water for 30 minutes after the last lightning flashes or thunder roars.

HEAT PREPAREDNESS: Summer can bring extreme heat concerns across the Greater Bay Area and Northern California. Don’t wait until an emergency is already happening to get ready.

• Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
• Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center.
• Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it. Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.
• Never leave a child or pet alone inside a parked car, and make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.

DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS Finally, download the free Red Cross Emergency app which includes National Weather Service alerts, help locating Red Cross shelters and more, all available in English or Spanish, and designed with accessibility in mind. Our free First Aid App puts expert advice for common emergencies at your fingertips. You can access new lifesaving First Aid content and locate your nearest hospital in case of emergency. Select English or Spanish language with an in-app toggle. Download both by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.