Fourth of July Safety Reminders at City of San Diego Beaches and Mission Bay
Each year, the Fourth of July holiday brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to San Diego’s popular beaches. Mission Bay is one of the top destinations for aquatic enthusiasts, especially during holidays, and larger crowds mean more rescues by San Diego Fire-Rescue (SDFD) lifeguards.
With more than 40 miles of oceanfront and bay shoreline to patrol throughout the city, SDFD lifeguards help keep an average of 17 million visitors safe and conduct an estimated 7,000 rescues at local beaches each year. Additionally, lifeguards manage cliff, scuba and swift water rescues, enforce boating safety regulations and respond to emergencies involving seafaring vessels and other watercraft.
The San Diego Police Department has a full-time beach team whose members patrol the sand, boardwalks and Mission Bay.
“Lifeguards and police officers patrolling our beaches, particularly Mission Bay, want everyone to have safe and enjoyable experiences,” said Lifeguard Chief James Gartland. “With the increase in visitors on this holiday, we want to make sure those who participate in aquatic activities know the safest places to swim or surf, as well as the safety requirements for equipment such as personal watercraft. We have seen an increase in illegal vessel rentals and want to warn the public about those risks.”
Beach and bay visitors are reminded to swim near a lifeguard and to avoid swimming while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
It is also important to remember that all personal-use fireworks are illegal throughout San Diego County. This includes sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, bottle rockets and poppers. Fireworks are dangerous, especially for children, and they pose an extreme fire hazard.
“All fireworks are illegal in San Diego. Our goal is to educate San Diegans and visitors about the risks of using illegal fireworks,” said Fire Chief Colin Stowell. “We want everyone to enjoy their Fourth of July free from injuries.”
In order to address large amounts of trash typically left behind by Fourth of July beachgoers, the Clean Beach Coalition – sponsored by Think Blue San Diego and the City’s Parks and Recreation Department – will add extra trash and recycling bins during major holidays and busy weekends this summer. Visitors are encouraged to help keep beach areas free of trash and debris.