Safe Kids Anderson County

As July 4th celebrations near, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging the public to prioritize fireworks safety. Mishandling fireworks can turn celebration into tragedy.

In 2025, there were 15 reported fireworks-related deaths, most involving misuse and device misfire/malfunctions. An estimated 13,000 people were injured by fireworks last year. There were an estimated 1,300 emergency room treated injuries in 2025 involving sparklers.

The 15 to 24 age group accounted for the largest share of reported injuries. The most frequently injured body parts were hands and fingers (35%) and head, face, and ears (22%). Burns were the most common injury, making up 38% of all emergency room visits.

Learn more fireworks safety tips at: cpsc.gov/fireworks

⚠️ E-Bike Safety Matters ⚠️

E-bikes are becoming more popular, but they also travel much faster than traditional bicycles, increasing the risk of serious crashes and injuries.

Before riding:

* Always wear a properly fitted helmet. NOTE: Not all bike helmets are the same. E-bikes travel faster than traditional bicycles, so consider wearing an NTA 8776-certified e-bike helmet. These helmets provide additional coverage and are designed for the higher speeds of e-bike riding. Choose a helmet that fits properly, has MIPS technology if possible, and always buckle the chin strap before every ride.

* Obey traffic laws and ride predictably.

* Stay alert! No phones or headphones while riding.

* VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure children are riding an e-bike that is appropriate for their age, size, and skill level.

Stay safe when boating on Lake Hartwell! Because it is a man-made lake, it has steep drop-offs, submerged trees, stumps, rocks, and other hidden hazards that can make the water unpredictable.

The best way to protect yourself is to always wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. It only takes a second for an unexpected fall into the water to become an emergency.

* Wear your life jacket. Do not just keep it in the boat.
* Make sure children wear theirs at all times.
* Check the weather before you leave.
* Never boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A life jacket can save your life. If you need one, remember that Safe Kids Anderson County’s Life Jacket Loaner Stations around Lake Hartwell offer free life jackets for anyone to borrow while enjoying the water.

Wear it. Return it. Save a life.

🟠 Have you spotted one of these orange ball buoys around Lake Hartwell and wondered why it’s there? 🟠

Over the years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has identified areas around Lake Hartwell that can become submerged boating hazards when lake levels are below normal or at seasonal low levels.

To help keep boaters safe, the Corps places orange ball buoys near these hazards in high-traffic areas and primary navigation routes, such as channels leading to boat ramps and other commonly traveled waterways.

⚠️ A few important things to remember:
✔️ These buoys mark potential submerged hazards.
✔️ They are not shown on navigation charts like traditional shoal markers.
✔️ Boaters should avoid the immediate area surrounding these buoys.
✔️ Please do not tie off or moor to these buoys.

These markers are an important tool for helping everyone enjoy a safer day on the water. If you see one, use caution and give it plenty of room.

Stay safe and boat responsibly! 💙 For the sake of the lake!