Media Contact: Lily McCormick 
Regional Communications Manager
lily.mccormick@redcross.org | 385-584-7610 

SALT LAKE CITY (June 17, 2025)— Summer is here and as many look to spend more time outdoors, The Red Cross of Utah wants everyone to have a safe season and offer advice they can follow.   

“Utah is known for its outdoor recreation, and we know there’s unlimited ways to spend your summer.” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “The Red Cross wants you to feel confident no matter what your plans include and share our resources to have a safe summer.”   

For more information covering other summer activities, visit redcross.org/summersafety.   

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. 

• Prevent unsupervised access to water, provide constant and active adult supervision, and know how to swim. 
• 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. 
• Don’t just pack it, wear your life jacket — always wear it on a boat or if you are in a situation beyond your skill level.  
• 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.    

GRILLING, FOOD SAFETY: Grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires on average each year.  Always supervise barbecue grills when in use. Never grill indoors or in 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.  
• Wash your hands, utensils and workstation before preparing the food. 
• Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.   
• Separate uncooked meats, poultry and seafood from ready-to-eat foods like salads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses and desserts. 
• Use separate plates and utensils to prevent cross-contamination.   

CAMPING: Being prepared for emergencies is critical when you’re headed to an area with limited access to phone services and help.

• If you are heading out to camp, or go hiking, wear layers of light-weight clothing, sunscreen and a hat. 
• Pack a first aid kit with insect repellant, sunscreen and personal medications. A variety of first aid kits and emergency supplies are available at redcrossstore.org.
•  Know the level of ability of your group and the environment around you. Plan to use hiking trails that are within your skill level. 
• Share your plans, including where you are going and when you should be back, with a family member, neighbor or friend. 
• Bring nutritious food items and plenty of water even if you don’t plan to stay overnight. 
• Download the FREE Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the FREE Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to 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 or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.