Have fun, stay safe: message from Virginia Beach EMS ahead of July 4 celebration

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Around 10,000 people are expected to swarm Virginia Beach for its Fourth of July Stars and Stripes Celebration. A lot of fun is planned, but EMS officials want you to be safe as well.

This year's event will feature music, street performers, and of course, fireworks. Live on Atlantic Manager Mike Hilton said there will be live music at three different parks at the Oceanfront.

"At 17th Street Park, we have the Deloreans at 7 p.m., which is a great party band," Hilton said. "At 24th Street Park we have the Tidewater Winds Concert Band and then at 31st Street Park, we have Buckshot, a great country band."

Those bands begin at 7 p.m. and lead up to the fireworks at 9:30 p.m. But while waiting, it can get hot on the beach sand — experts say to watch out for the early signs on heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

"You kind of start feeling bad, you stop sweating, you just, like, don't feel right," said Rob Gramkowski, division chief with Virginia Beach EMS. "Some people will have abdominal pain. That's kind of the very first symptoms."

The sand will be extremely hot as well, so they want everyone to keep their footwear on until they get to the water. And, Gramkowski said, be mindful of your pets who have sensitive paws.

And here's something you might not think about — properly anchoring your umbrella or tent.

"So, nationwide we've had accidents where the wind takes umbrellas and injures people, either minor injuries or severe injuries," Gramkowski said.

Virginia Beach EMS has not seen any deaths so far this year from rip currents, and they'd like to keep it that way. If you find yourself being carried out to sea, don't panic, but swim parallel to the shore and then signal for help.

To follow all updates leading up to the celebration Thursday night, visit VirginiaBeach.gov/eventinfo