Ahead of America’s 250th birthday, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD), including its Lifeguard Division, and the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) came together at Mission Bay Park to share important beach, boating and fireworks safety reminders to help San Diegans celebrate responsibly.

Whether you’re heading to the beach, gathering around Mission Bay or enjoying one of the many professional fireworks shows across the region, a little planning can help keep the holiday fun, safe and emergency-free.

Have a Fire-Safe Fourth

All consumer fireworks are illegal in the City and County of San Diego, including sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, bottle rockets and poppers.

Even small fireworks can cause serious injuries, start fires and put neighborhoods at risk, especially during San Diego’s year-round wildfire season. According to a recent study from the National Fire Prevention Association, consumer fireworks sparked approximately 34,079 fires, resulting in 59 civilian injuries and $98 million in property damages. An estimated 14,700 people were treated for firework-related injuries in emergency departments across the U.S. The highest injury rates were often among young children and teens.

SDFD encourages everyone to enjoy permitted public fireworks displays instead of lighting fireworks at home, in the street, at the beach, in a driveway or at a park. Anyone in possession of fireworks, including sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, bottle rockets and poppers, can also drop them off at any SDFD fire station within the city of San Diego, no questions asked. 

Make Water Safety a Priority

Each year, San Diego’s beautiful weather and beaches and bays attract tens of thousands of locals and visitors, especially in and around Mission Bay, one of the top destinations for aquatic enthusiasts. 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, especially during the holiday weekend. 

Lifeguards will have maximum staffing levels throughout the weekend to keep beachgoers safe. If you’re enjoying the coast or bay, remember:

• Swim near a lifeguard tower and check in with lifeguards to learn about conditions.
• Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present.
• Never turn your back on the ocean. Waves can arrive suddenly and knock people off rocks, tide pools or coastal bluffs.
• If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm, swim parallel to shore and signal for help.
• Never swim or operate boats or other vessels while intoxicated.
• Bonfires are only allowed in designated City fire pits.
• Alcohol, smoking, vapes and glass are prohibited at City beaches, boardwalks, bays and park areas.

SDFD Lifeguards are also proud to announce their recent partnership with Hyundai, the new Official Vehicle of the San Diego Lifeguards. As part of the partnership, 18 Santa Cruz trucks, 12 Palisade XRT SUVs and two IONIQ 5 electric vehicles will be joining Lifeguard’s fleet of vehicles this year. 

Be Prepared and Stay Informed

Lastly, all San Diegans are encouraged to talk with their household and loved ones about their emergency plan. Make sure you know what to do in case you are asked to evacuate, have a go-kit ready with important supplies (e.g., water, non-perishable foods, important documents, a first aid kit and more), download the Genasys Protect mobile app and follow SDFD and the SDPD on their social media pages for the latest incident information.  

This Fourth of July marks a major milestone for our country and San Diego is one of the most beautiful places to celebrate it. Let’s honor the occasion by looking out for one another, protecting our communities and leaving the fireworks to the professionals.

From all of us at the City of San Diego have a safe and happy Fourth of July.