The Foster City Fourth of July Celebration is a great time to enjoy the beautiful City of Foster City parks and lagoon system. Make sure your fun celebration remains safe by steering clear of accidents and injuries!

During the evening fireworks display, the waterway is often crowded and dark, increasing the potential for boating accidents. The Fire Department water rescue boat will be on the lagoon throughout the day and evening hours to enforce the fireworks display safety zone and to provide rescue services.

By taking simple, common-sense precautions everyone can have a fun day and stay safe. As a friendly reminder, each boater is encouraged to follow a few water safety tips:

• Learn to swim.
• Do not overload your boat.
• Be courteous and pass other craft on the right with a four foot clearance.
• Render assistance to fellow boaters in distress.
• Always closely supervise children.
• Small children (12 years of age and under) and non-swimmers should always wear a US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD - lifejacket) while on or playing in or near the water. A PFD should always be available for each craft passenger.
• Never drink alcoholic beverages before or while operating a boat or supervising children.
• Consider installing running lights on your craft if on the waterway after dark. As an alternative, use a flashlight or glow sticks so you are visible in your water craft at night.
• To help ensure proper use of water craft, take a boating course in your area. Check with the local American Red Cross, US Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Sailing associations and marinas in your area.

Finally, to report an emergency using a cellular phone, call 573-3333. This number connects the caller directly to Foster City Dispatch and is the fastest way to get help.

The City of Foster City and the Parks and Recreation Department staff looks forward to you enjoying the summer months filled with fun and safe boating!