From Beaches to BBQs: The County’s Checklist for a Safer Summer
As the June gloom lifts, San Diegans are heading outside—hitting beaches, hiking trails, and backyard barbeques. But along with the sunshine, summer also brings seasonal risks.
The stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the “100 deadliest days of summer.” Research by AAA shows that nationwide, more than 30 percent of teen-driving fatalities occur during these months—an average of eight teen-involved crash deaths every summer day.
San Diego’s roads grow busy during the summer with many drivers unfamiliar with local roadways. In 2024, the County welcomed 32.5 million visitors with July historically the peak travel month, according to California Industry Research statistics.
Drowning deaths also rise in warmer months and Pew Research Center analysis showed that local emergency department visits nearly double on July 4-5 as Independence Day celebrations hit full swing.
How can you enjoy the season while staying safe? Read on for simple tips to help you and your loved ones make the most of summer.
Driving Safety
- Set ground rules for teens. Establish a “no distractions” policy and enable Do Not Disturb mode on their phone. California law forbids holding a phone while driving—even when stopped at a red light.
- Choose the right time. Avoid peak travel hours or late-night drives when crash risk is highest.
- Plan a sober ride. Decide on a designated driver before drinking, or use rideshare, taxi, or public transit.
- Share the road. Yield to pedestrians at crossings and give bicyclists a full lane when passing, as required by state law.
- Report dangerous drivers. Call 9-1-1 or the Sheriff’s Department at (858) 565-5200 if you suspect an impaired driver—buzzed driving is drunk driving.
Fourth of July Safety
- Skip consumer fireworks. Sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets—even poppers—are illegal in San Diego County. Attend a permitted public show instead, and remind kids never to touch spent fireworks.
- Grill smart. Keep grills at least 10 feet from structures, supervise them at all times, and keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby. Keep children a safe distance from hot surfaces and flying sparks.
Sun and Heat Safety
- Hydrate. Drink water throughout the day—even before you feel thirsty.
- Block the rays. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Handle food safely. Keep perishables cold and discard any left out for more than two hours (one hour if above 90 °F). Use a food thermometer to ensure meats reach safe grilling temperatures.
- Stay cool. Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and never leave children in parked cars.
- Find a Cool Zone. More than 30 air-conditioned Cool Zones—libraries, senior and teen centers—are open across the County; use the interactive Cool Zone finder on the County Cool Zones website to locate one near you.
Water Activities
- Learn to swim. Formal swim lessons have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%.
- Swim with a buddy. Solo swimmers are at greater risk. When you swim with a buddy, if one of you has a problem, the other may be able to help, including signaling for assistance from others. At least have someone onshore watching you.
- Keep constant watch. Drowning is the leading cause of injury related deaths among children under the age of five, according to California Department of Public Health data. Always supervise children around pools and near water, even bathtubs, shallow kiddie pools and when lifeguards are present.
- Use proper gear. Have children wear a properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for their size and weight.
- Stay informed. Find additional prevention resources at StopDrowningNow.org.
Enjoy the Sunshine—Safely
With a bit of planning—on the road, around fireworks, in the heat and near the water—you can make this San Diego summer memorable for all the right reasons.