NEWS, THINGS TO DO

Celebrate Safely This Fourth of July in Long Beach, WA: Firework and Ocean Safety for All

The Fourth of July brings a festive spirit to Long Beach, Washington, with beach bonfires, family barbecues, and fireworks lighting up the night sky. But as excitement builds, so does the need for caution—both on the sand and in the surf. Each year, injuries and ocean emergencies remind us that safety should be part of every celebration.

Fireworks Are Fun—But Can Be Dangerous

While fireworks are a beloved part of Independence Day, they also cause thousands of injuries across the country every year, especially to hands, fingers, and eyes. In Long Beach, where many people bring their own fireworks to the beach, the risk is even greater due to crowding, limited visibility, and the number of inexperienced users.

  • Wear protective eyewear when lighting or watching fireworks up close. Flying sparks and debris can cause permanent eye damage.
  • Stay alert—missiles don’t always go upward. Be vigilant, especially around those unfamiliar with proper firework handling.
  • Keep a safe distance from anyone lighting fireworks.
  • Supervise children at all times. Never let young kids handle fireworks, and ensure older kids understand the risks.
  • Light fireworks one at a time and move back quickly.
  • Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby, and fully soak all used fireworks to prevent late-night flare-ups.

Ocean Safety: The Real Threat Lies Beneath

This year’s Fourth of July weekend brought dangerous rip tides to the Washington coast—and tragically, several lives were lost. The ocean may look calm, but powerful rip currents can strike without warning and pull even the strongest swimmers away from shore.

  • Never turn your back on the waves. Sneaker waves and incoming tides can sweep people off their feet and into deep water.
  • Rip currents are invisible and deadly. If caught, don’t fight the current—swim parallel to the beach until free, then angle back to shore.
  • Watch children every second near the water. Even ankle-deep surf can be dangerous.
  • Stay out of the water if you’re unsure. When in doubt, stay dry and safe.

Clean Up After the Celebration

A fun night can leave behind a dangerous mess if we’re not careful.

  • Pick up all firework debris, wrappers, and garbage. What’s left behind can injure wildlife or wash into the ocean, becoming toxic microplastic pollution.
  • Double-check for smoldering fireworks—  soak them in water before removing them with your trash
  • Keep fires at least 100 feet away from beach dunes. Dry grasses ignite easily and can lead to fast-moving fires.
  • Leave no trace. Let’s protect our beautiful beach so others can enjoy it too.

Beach Driving Safety

If you’re driving on the beach, please use extra caution:

  • Drive all the way down near the waterline—not in the upper dry sand where families gather.
  • Watch for children, dogs, and beachgoers, especially after dark when visibility is poor.
  • Drive slowly and stay alert—treat the beach like a crowded street.

Keep the Spirit, Skip the Emergencies

Long Beach is a magical place to celebrate the Fourth, but safety should always come first. Let’s honor the holiday by protecting ourselves, our loved ones, and our environment.

Celebrate responsibly, look out for one another, and enjoy a safe return home.