Summer Safety Emphasized During Event
7/23/2012

WATER SAFETY doesn't start and end with a trip to the beach, swimming, surfing or a boat outing on the bay, river or ocean.

"Safety – at Home or at the Shore" is the theme of the 12th Annual Water Safety Day on the oceanfront in Seaside Heights.

Sponsored by the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Ocean County Partnerships in Safety, the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety and the Borough of Seaside Heights, the expo will feature displays and demonstrations from local organizations.

The safety expo runs on Wednesday, July 25th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the Seaside Heights Boardwalk at the end of Ocean Terrace and Hiering Avenue.

"Summer safety doesn't mean only boating safety, "said Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety. "We will also be addressing safety on the beach, on the roads, in the backyard and in the home".

This year's expo will include a simulated water rescue by Lifeguards, an underwater search by the Seaside Heights Fire Department, proper fishing techniques demonstrated by the Seaside Heights Fishing Club and the safe handling of foods during hot weather by the Ocean County Health Department.

"During the summer when most people think of safety, they think of swimming or water sports, but there are other dangers that might not be so obvious," Kelly said. "Something as simple as keeping food fresh at a picnic on a hot day can make the difference between a happy summer memory and a trip to the emergency room".

He noted that traveling to and from the beach is another major concern. Pedestrian and bicycle rules need to be observed. Child Restraint Inspections will be conducted by the New Jersey State Police during the event. This year everyone needs to buckle up rear and front seats, all ages.

Weather permitting, a fly-over by the Black Sheep Squadron will be a highlight of the expo. Vessels from the Coast Guard and State Police Marine Unit may be viewed in the Ocean.

Other groups and organizations expected to attend include: The Ocean County Security Office, the Navy Lakehurst and the Berkeley Township Underwater Rescue Team, the Community Medical Center, U.S. Army, Jersey Paddler and many others.