Houstonians celebrate Fourth of July in Galveston

Extra police and lifeguards are on duty to help control the crowds that began packing the beach early Thursday morning

GALVESTON, Texas – Perfect weather and calm water were the perfect combination for Galveston Island this July 4th.

Extra police and lifeguards are on duty to help control the crowds that began packing the beach early Thursday morning.

A fireworks display near Pleasure Pier and a parade Thursday evening will cap off the day-long list of festivities on the Island.

For many people, Independence Day means laying out, cooking out, swimming and playing in the sand.

"It's nice spending time with family and having fun with the kids, watching them play," said Grace Mejia, who was visiting Galveston with members of her extended family.

While no major problems or injuries were reported, parents were being cautioned to keep an eye on their children.

Several children became separated from their parents on Stewart Beach and were kept safe by a lifeguard stand until they could be reunited with their parents.

"I just got to keep an eye on my children and make sure they're in the right place," said Chris Renwalt, who was visiting from Dallas.

He spent the afternoon closely monitoring his children and swimming with them in shallow water.

Galveston officials told KPRC Local 2 they didn't have an official crowd estimate, but they expected the Island to stay busy over the long holiday weekend.