First responders are prepared as tens of thousands of people flock to the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta.

"This is probably one of the safest venues I've ever seen in a long time," resident Jim Harris said.

According to the First Responder Initiative, there are more than 1 million firefighters in the United States. Of those, 750,000 are volunteers.

"Everywhere you look there is someone, and anything could happen with the heat," resident John Smith explained. It's great to have them here just in case."

Smith waited while his children jumped on a carnival ride and told WCHS he hasn't been to the Regatta since 2009 and he is thankful to be able to bring his family to such a safe event.

"I remember coming here when I was small, like my children," Smith recalled.

The Charleston Sternwheel Regatta will will be held through Monday, July 4th.