By Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios
July is here, signifying the beginning of summer and all the activities we look forward to during these months.
Summer invites us to immerse ourselves in a variety of pastimes, from vacations and boating to visits to the beach and to county, state, or national parks. During summer, we spend more time outdoors enjoying live music and theater; camping; playing sports such as tennis, fishing, or swimming; or simply unwinding in our backyards. Summer provides a much-needed opportunity to recharge both body and mind, embracing the warmth and leisure this season brings.
One special day we eagerly anticipate each summer is the 4th of July, a time when family and friends gather to celebrate our nation’s independence with barbeques and firework displays.
Please remember that lighting fireworks without a valid permit is illegal in New Jersey. Even with a valid permit, fireworks should not be handled by children.
During this time of year, it is important to follow safety precautions to protect ourselves and our children.
During the summer, children enjoy outdoor activities such as riding their bikes or playing in the park. Ensuring proper hydration is crucial, especially during heat waves, as severe dehydration can be life-threatening. Additionally, it is important to apply sunscreen before children are exposed to the sun.
Maintaining a healthy diet that includes hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables is beneficial for both children and adults during the summer months.
To keep cool, many of us enjoy visiting the pool or the beach. However, it’s important to remember that in the United States, drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4. Therefore, it is essential to follow all water safety precautions at the beach, the pool, or any other body of water.
For backyard pools, ensure they are fenced in to prevent unsupervised access by children. If possible, install a pool alarm to alert you if anyone enters the pool area without permission.
As far as beach protocols are concerned, instruct your children to swim only where there are lifeguards and to always swim with others. Pay attention to the beach flags, which advise of any potential rip currents and other hazards. If your child does not know how to swim, they should wear a life jacket.
It’s important to remind young adults that swimming after lifeguards have left for the day is extremely dangerous. We must emphasize that swimming without a lifeguard on duty can be deadly.
During the summer, when children are out of school, you may want to find engaging activities for them, or activities that you can do together as a family. Middlesex County offers a variety of programs through its Office of Parks and Recreation such as “Plays-in-the-Park,” “Music-in-the-Park,” and theater programs like “Kids- and Teens-in-the-Park.” Detailed information about these programs can be found by visiting middlesexcountynj.gov and typing “parks and recreation” in the search bar.
This year, Middlesex County introduced a new pilot program offering free swimming lessons for county children ages 7 to 9 who were in second grade during the 2023-2024 school year. The goal is to provide young children with the water safety skills they need to stay safe. For more information, including the list of participating pools and how to register, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/swim.
I hope you all have a great summer and stay safe!
