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With the arrival of hot weather, Los Padres National Forest officials today issued a few safety tips for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

Water Safety
• If you cannot swim, stay out of the water.
• Never swim alone. Always swim with a partner.
• Supervise children at all times in and near the water.
• Do not swim after consuming alcohol or using drugs.
• Never slide, jump or dive from rocks into the water. Stay away from waterfalls.
• Be aware of hazards such as uneven bottom, deep pools, strong currents, submerged rocks and vegetation, and broken glass or other sharp objects.
• Do not use glass or other breakable containers in or near the water.
• Keep all litter, including diapers, out of the water. Dispose of litter properly.
• Always wear a life vest and helmet while rafting, tubing or engaging in other water craft activities.
• Remember: there are no designated swimming areas or lifeguards in Los Padres National Forest.

Fire Safety
• A California Campfire Permit is required in all areas except designated Campfire Use Sites. The permit and a list of Campfire Use Sites is available free of charge from any Forest Service office.
• If camping in an area other than a Campfire Use Site, build your campfire with at least five feet of clearance between the edge of the fire and the nearest vegetation. If camping at a Campfire Use Site, use only the fire ring and stove provided.
• Never leave a campfire unattended and always extinguish your campfire completely before leaving the area.
• Be very careful when using cigarettes and other smoking materials.
• Do not park vehicles on grass or other vegetation, as hot exhaust systems can easily ignite dry vegetation.
• Make sure that chainsaws, off-highway vehicles and other equipment with internal combustion engines have an approved and functional spark arrester.