FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Ahead of 4th of July and America’s 250th, Gottheimer Announces Summer Safety Plan

Above: Gottheimer announces Summer Safety Plan.

TEANECK, N.J. — Today, Thursday, July 2, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) unveiled his “Summer Safety Plan” at the Teaneck Community Pool, announcing new federal action on pool safety, sun exposure, and grill safety ahead of the July 4th holiday and America’s 250th anniversary. 

“A massive heat wave is coming to Jersey for this Fourth of July weekend. There is nothing partisan about keeping our families safe this summer — whether it’s at the pool, in the sun, or at the grill,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “These are commonsense steps, and I’m going to keep fighting to get them done.”

Watch full remarks here.

On average, 65 people drown in New Jersey each year, including approximately 10 children under 15. Four fatal drownings were reported along the Jersey Shore in the first weeks of this summer alone. Nationally, an estimated 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning every year, and drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.

1.  Pool Safety

Gottheimer is working with local towns, counties, and the State to help them apply for and claw back dollars from the federal Pool Safely Grant Program, which is currently open for applications and closes on July 13. 

New Jersey has never been awarded funds from the program, which provides up to $4 million in grants a year to help communities pay for drain covers, shut-off valves, fencing, lifeguard training, inspections, and swim lessons.

Gottheimer is also helping lead the bipartisan Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act, which he has worked on with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) to strengthen pool safety standards and prevent drownings nationwide.

2.  Sun Safety

Every year, roughly 1,700 men and 840 women in New Jersey are diagnosed with melanoma, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Yet only about 30 percent of women and 15 percent of men regularly use sunscreen.

To address the problem, Gottheimer announced he is sending a letter to the State of New Jersey calling for expanded public awareness campaigns and clearer guidance for families on proper sunscreen use.  

Wear at least SPF 30 and apply at least every two hours — more if you’re swimming. 

3.  Grill Safety

An average of 21,682 Americans are treated in emergency rooms each year for grill-related injuries, and grills cause an average of 11,421 home fires annually. Just two weeks ago, a grill fire in Paramus, New Jersey, spread to a home, injuring two people and killing two family pets.

Gottheimer is leading the bipartisan Strengthening Awareness and Funding Education for Grilling Act (SAFE Grilling Act) with Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), legislation that would direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch a public awareness campaign on grill safety, covering leaks, burns, wire grill brushes, and other hazards.

Gottheimer’s “Summer Safety Plan” builds on his record on these issues, including helping pass the bipartisan CARES Act to streamline FDA review of sunscreen ingredients, cosponsoring the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, and serving as a member of the Congressional Children’s Safety Caucus.

Gottheimer was joined by Teaneck Mayor Mark Schwartz, Senator Gordon Johnson, Christinia D’Aloia of Bergen & Passaic County Consumer Affairs, Ramon Hache of the Ridgewood YMCA, Teaneck EMS Chief Ezra Finkelstein, Teaneck Deputy Fire Chief Paul O’Connor, and Cathy Davis and Dr. Genevieve Matthews of Holy Name Hospital.

Below: Gottheimer announces Summer Safety Plan.

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