It's always important to plan ahead especially with making summer plans and in Ocean County where there is so much to do in what seems like so little time.

When you go to a public pool or to the beach this summer though, there are some important health and safety tips to follow to make sure everyone has a great time and goes home just as happy and healthy.

Toms River Mayor Maurice "Mo" Hill and Ocean Beach Fire Chief Drew Calvo both released statements this week following the tragedy at Ocean Beach III on Tuesday afternoon urging everyone to be cautious and aware heading to the beach this summer.

"This tragedy is a reminder to us all to be vigilant for our loved ones safety in surf and on sand. Let me remind all of our beach goers, visitors and locals, to never dig more than knee deep in the sand. With all of the storms and beach replenishments we’ve had, beach sand is not compact.  Some call it “sugar sand.”  Do not dig more than knee deep.  Doing so puts yourself and others at risk," Toms River Mayor Maurice "Mo" Hill said in part of his written statement.

“When digging a sand hole, to be safe only dig one ankle or knee deep, so that if the sand collapses, you can easily escape," Chief Calvo said in an exert from his written statement.

There are plenty of health related precautions and inspections that the Ocean County Health Department wants you to be mindful of and adhere to this summer as well.

Many, most are common sense measures but all are things you should mull over before leaving home.

“We want our residents, visitors - and even their pets - to enjoy the warm weather months swimming and recreating in public and private pools, spa’s and other bathing beach locations throughout the county,” Ocean County Public Health Coordinator Dan Regenye said in a written statement. “However, it’s so important we remind people to keep in mind the variety of potential hazards they may face and at the same time provide them with some key precautions to help prevent injury, catching or spreading germs and poisoning.”

When it relates to pools, spa’s & water playgrounds:

When it comes to an Ocean, River or Lake: