Blog: Summer safety tips for North Port residents

Summer in North Port means long days, warm nights and plenty of opportunities to enjoy our community - from the pool to the park. But with the heat comes some important safety reminders I want to share with all residents. Please take a few minutes to read through these tips from our public safety experts so you and your family can stay safe while making the most of the season.

Florida summers are no joke. High temperatures and humidity can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses if we're not careful. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, even when you're not thirsty, and limit caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. Dress appropriately in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and use a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Take breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned room and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Check on neighbors, especially those most vulnerable to heat illness - infants, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers and the elderly. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If someone experiences heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea or confusion, move them to a cooler location, loosen clothing, apply cool, wet clothes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

The North Port Aquatic Center and Warm Mineral Springs Park are great places to cool off - but water safety is everyone's responsibility. If you're around children near water, be a Water Watcher. Designate a responsible adult to actively watch the pool with no distractions - no phones, books or conversations. Rotate Water Watcher duty every 15 to 30 minutes to maintain focus, keep rescue equipment and a phone nearby, and remember that lifeguards cannot be the only eyes on the water.

One of the best ways to protect your family around water is to build confidence and skills in the pool. The North Port Aquatic Center offers American Red Cross-certified swim lessons for all ages - from infants six months old and up to adults. Summer sessions are underway, with additional offerings in late July and August. Fees are $45 for residents and $55 for non-residents per session, which includes six 30-minute classes. Recreation scholarships are available for qualifying North Port youth. To register or schedule a free swim evaluation, call 941-429-PARK (7275) or visit NorthPortFL.gov/Pool.

North Port is currently under an outdoor burn ban, and that will likely remain in effect through Independence Day and beyond. The ban prohibits all bonfires, campfires and outdoor burning of yard debris within city limits. Gas and charcoal grills are still permitted, but please use extreme caution - keep grills away from structures, vegetation and anything flammable, have a hose or fire extinguisher nearby and never leave them unattended. Fully extinguish coals and dispose of them properly once you're done. Fire pits and cooking pits are not allowed while the burn ban is active.

With Independence Day around the corner, I know fireworks are usually part of that celebration for residents. In 2020, the State of Florida passed a law making it legal to shoot fireworks that leave the ground and/or explode on Independence Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. However, the law specifically states that the change does not supersede local law or even Homeowner Association rules.

In the City of North Port, a permit is required to set off these types of fireworks. The City is not issuing any permits except to professional pyrotechnic companies that are licensed and insured. In short, if it goes up in the air and goes "boom," it is not permitted in the City of North Port except by the experts. We invite everyone to join us for a safe and free fireworks show at Freedom Festival on July 4 at CoolToday Park.

If you see illegal outdoor burning or fireworks use, contact North Port Fire Rescue at 941-240-8150. In an emergency, call 911. Let's all do our part to prevent wildfires and keep our community safe during this dry period.

I'm proud of how our community comes together to look out for one another. By following these simple safety tips, we can all enjoy a fun, healthy and incident-free summer. If you have questions about any of these programs or safety guidelines, reach out to the appropriate city department or visit NorthPortFL.gov. Stay cool and stay safe. Happy 250th Birthday, America!

Jerome Fletcher is the North Port City Manager. He can be reached at [email protected].