The upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend is the unofficial start of summer, when we will all begin enjoying the outdoors and sunshine. 

“The Florida summer is finally on the way and many of us will take advantage of the warm weather by grilling out and cooling off in the pool or at the beach,” said Krista Coletti, Regional Executive of the American Red Cross South Florida Region. Follow these American Red Cross tips to stay safe. 

WATER SAFETY

Many public pools and beaches may still be closed this summer. Follow the guidance of state and local officials. Make sure the area is designated for swimming.

1. Do your part, be water smart! Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well.
2. Adults: actively supervise children; stay within arm’s reach of young children and newer swimmers. And kids: follow the rules.
3. Don’t fool with a pool: fence it in. Enclose your pool and spa with four-sided, four-foot fencing and use self-closing, self-latching gates.
4. Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair – everyone, including experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards.
5. Reach or throw, don’t go! Know what to do to help someone in trouble, without endangering yourself; know how and when to call 9-1-1; and know CPR.
6. Don’t just pack it; wear your U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket – always when on a boat and if in a situation beyond your skill level. Inflatable children’s toys and water wings can be fun, but they are no substitute for a life jacket and adult supervision.

BEACH SAFETY

1. If you plan to swim in the ocean, a lake or river, be aware that swimming in these environments is different than swimming in a pool. Be sure you have the skills for these environments.
2. Make sure you swim sober and that you always swim with a buddy. Know your limitations and make sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore.
   
3. Protect your neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life. 
4. If you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Signal to those on shore that you need assistance. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, 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. 

GRILLING SAFETY

1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
2. Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
   
3. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
4. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.    

DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS The Red Cross Emergency app can help keep you and your loved ones safe by putting vital information in your hand for more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts. The Red Cross Swim App promotes water safety education and helps parents and caregivers of young people learning how to swim. The Red Cross First Aid App puts instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies at your fingertips. Download these apps for free by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps. Learn First Aid and CPR/AED skills (redcross.org/takeaclass) so you can help save a life. 

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, and offers training in life-saving skills. As a nonprofit organization, the Red Cross depends on volunteers and donations to deliver its vital mission. For more information, visit redcross.org/southflorida.