00:00The Jersey Shore is gearing up for one of the busiest weekends of the summer.
00:04But as crowds pack the beaches for 4th of July,
00:07officials are reminding visitors that safety starts long before you step into the water.
00:11Come prepared with umbrellas, chairs, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of fluids to drink.
00:19And while the focus is usually on rip currents and swim conditions,
00:22beach patrols say the danger isn't just in the water.
00:25Just last week, a lifeguard in Asbury Park was impaled through the shoulder by a windblown umbrella.
00:32It's a reminder that even the most routine beach day can quickly turn dangerous.
00:36Accidents happen. It was no one's fault. A freak incident.
00:41If you want to put the umbrella in, make sure it's secure.
00:44Then put it up, okay, as opposed to putting it up and then trying to put it in.
00:48So just little tiny things like that to remind them that they can't have an accident.
00:53And it's not just what you bring, it's where you park your towel.
00:56Lifeguards say swimming near guarded areas is the number one way to prevent tragedies.
01:02That means knowing the flag system, listening for whistle warnings,
01:05and never assuming someone else is watching your kids.
01:08When you're on the beach, especially with young kids,
01:11you've got to watch them all the time going near the water
01:13because a wave comes in, knocks them off their feet, and they can go.
01:17Whether you're cooling off in the ocean or just soaking up the sun, safety starts with you.
01:22Lifeguards are doing their part.
01:25They just ask that you do yours too.
01:28For AccuWeather, I'm Allie Reed.
