Ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD), the SDFD Lifeguard Division and the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) came together at Mission Bay Park to share critical beach, boating and fireworks reminders to help San Diegans celebrate safely.   

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. 

“While San Diego Lifeguards will be staffed to maximum levels tomorrow, we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy our beaches and bays safely,” said SDFD Lifeguard Chief James Gartland. “Always swim near a lifeguard and exercise caution. Stay alert, keep an eye on the little ones and, please, do not mix alcohol with a swim or a boat ride.” 

In addition to full staffing and lifeguard patrols, SDPD’s full beach team will also be out on local beaches, boardwalks and Mission Bay, looking out for potential hazards, illegal alcohol consumption and taking measures to protect the public. Boaters and passengers should learn safety regulations before operating a vessel and be aware of individuals who may be renting vessels illegally who could potentially endanger others around them. 

San Diego Fire-Rescue wants to remind San Diegans of our year-long fire risk, and what they can do to help prevent fire and medical emergencies during the holiday. This includes safe grilling practices and refraining from using personal-use fireworks, which are illegal in San Diego County. According to a recent study from the National Fire Prevention Association, more than 32,000 wildfires were caused by fireworks, including an estimated 9,700 emergency room visits due to firework-related injuries.  

“Safety starts with you. While you celebrate with loved ones, be aware of potential fire hazards and please, leave fireworks to the experts. Not only are they illegal throughout the county of San Diego – they can lead to wildfires, serious injuries or worse” said Fire Chief Robert Logan II. “A great holiday is a safe holiday.”  

Fireworks are dangerous, especially for children. Anyone in possession of fireworks, including sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, bottle rockets and poppers, can drop them off at any fire station within the city of San Diego, no questions asked. 

Lastly, all San Diegans are encouraged to talk with members of their households and loved ones about emergency plans. 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 San Diego Fire-Rescue and the San Diego Police Department on their social media pages for the latest incident information.