WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end of summer, is upon us. Do your holiday plans include swimming, traveling, camping or a cookout? However you spend the long Labor Day weekend, the American Red Cross offers steps to help keep everyone safe.
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 and provide constant and active adult supervision.
- Swim as a pair with a lifeguard there.
- 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 on a boat and 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. Don’t go in! You could become a victim yourself.
BEACH SAFETY: Only swim at beaches with lifeguards, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards and ask them about local conditions.
- Watch the weather and get out of the water at the first sign of lightning or rumble of thunder. Stay indoors and away from water for 30 minutes after the last lightning flashes or thunder roars.
- Children, inexperienced swimmers and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
- Protect your neck — don’t dive in headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life.
- Swim Smart. Remember to avoid stormy seas, always swim sober and never swim alone. Even confident swimmers should be sure they have enough energy to swim back to shore.
PICNICS: Don’t leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.
- Wash your hands, utensils and work area before preparing food.
- Separate uncooked meats, poultry and seafood from ready-to-eat foods like salads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses and desserts. Use separate plates and utensils for uncooked meats to prevent cross-contamination.
- Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use and never grill indoors. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the home, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
- Ensure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
CAMPING: Being prepared for emergencies is critical when you’re headed to an area with limited access to phone services and help.
- Know the level of ability of the people in your group and the environment around you. Plan accordingly.
- Pack a first aid kit to handle insect stings, sprains, cuts and bruises and other injuries that could happen.
- Sprains and falls are some of the most common misfortunes travelers may face. Dehydration is also a danger.
- Share your travel plans and locations with someone you trust.
- Bring nutritious food items and water, light-weight clothing to layer and supplies for any pets.
TRAVEL SAFETY: Before you go, find out what natural disasters are common and how officials notify people about an emergency. In the notifications setting on your cell phone, make sure “emergency alerts” are turned on.
- Let loved ones know your itinerary and how to reach you. Include where you will be visiting and staying. Be sure to let them know if your plans change.
- Make copies of your travel documents and keep electronic copies as backups.
- Ensure the people in your group know everyone’s cell phone number and other emergency contacts. Select an out-of-area person to contact in case your group is separated during an emergency and local phone lines are overloaded.
- Learn to text. When phone lines are busy, text messages often work better than voice calls.
- If your plans include international travel, register with the U.S. State Department through the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
IF YOU’RE DRIVING, be well rested and alert, wear your seat belt, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road. Let someone know where you’re going, your route and when you expect to get there.
- If you plan on drinking alcohol, designate a driver who won’t drink.
- Give your full attention to the road and use caution in work zones.
- Don’t follow other vehicles too closely and take breaks along the way.
- Don’t overdrive your headlights. Clean your lights and windows and turn your headlights on as dusk approaches and during inclement weather.
- Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low.
- If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway in a safe place.
- Store a first aid kit in your vehicle.
DOWNLOAD SAFETY APPS: 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 of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.