Police share summer safety tips ahead of 4th of July weekend

SUFFOLK COUNTY, New York (WABC) -- Police on Long Island shared some summer safety tips ahead of this Fourth of July weekend.

It's not the type of fireworks show police want you to see this holiday weekend.

Police demonstrated the dangers of keeping fireworks in sheds, garages or in your house.

"I want to remind folks that the possession, the use, the sale of fireworks in Suffolk County, in New York State, is illegal," said Commissioner Timothy Sini, Suffolk County Police Department.

Sparklers are also illegal in Nassau, Suffolk and New York City.

"Sparklers, although they seem innocuous and a good thing maybe to share with your kids, sparklers cause the most injuries because that's what people do. They give them to their children to play with," said Chief Stuart Cameron, Suffolk County Police Department.

Another concern for police this weekend is drownings.

They want to remind people about ocean and pool safety.

- First talk or show your kids how deep the water is in the ocean or pool and where it's safe to play.

- Empty kiddie pools once you're done using them.

- And when you're finished using your above ground pools, remove any ladders

- As for beach swimming, you should only swim at beaches where a lifeguard is on duty

"Please be mindful of riptides. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and rip tide warnings at the beaches," Sini said.

For drivers, both of cars and boats, police remind you, don't drink and drive.

"We'll be out there in force. We'll be enhancing patrols in particular locations at particular times. We'll be doing check points," Sini said.