This Memorial Day weekend, many New Jersey families will be firing up the grill and enjoying the state’s many beaches, rivers and pools. The American Red Cross offers a series of steps everyone can follow to safely enjoy the holiday weekend.

WATER SAFETY TIPS The following tips are layers of protection that will help people stay safe in, on and around the water:
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. 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.
5. Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair - everyone, including experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards.
6. 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.

To learn more about backyard pool safety or safely swimming at beaches or in lakes, rivers and streams, visit redcross.org/watersafety.

GRILLING SAFETY Every year people are injured while using charcoal or gas grills. Here are several steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:
1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
2. Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
3. Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
4. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.  
5. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE RED CROSS FIRST AID APP Perfect for those cuts, scrapes, sprains and insect bites you may encounter this summer, the American Red Cross First Aid App puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. Available for iPhone and Android devices, the Red Cross First Aid app gives you instant access to the information you need to know to handle the most common first aid emergencies. With videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice, it’s never been easier to know first aid.

For free tools and resources to help keep you and your family safe this summer, visit redcross.org/prepare.