MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - With temperatures on the rise, swimsuits disappearing from your local retail stores and sunblock being used more frequently than lotion, summer is definitely approaching.

With summer right around the corner, it is a good idea to review water safety tips.

When traveling to the local beach or pool, it is important to remember that accidents can happen anywhere but with proper precaution, almost anything can be prevented.

Bill Priese, Meridian Township Fire Department Training/ EMS Chief recommends that all swimmers use the buddy system while swimming. When swimming with a partner you can lessen the chance of fatal accidents.

"If it's a child always have a parent watching and by watching, it doesn't mean being on your cell phone," said Priese. "Make sure they have your 100% attention."

Priese warns that children can drown in as little as one inch of water, so undivided attention and supervision during water activities is necessary.

Another tip Priese recommends is that inexperienced swimmers and children wear personal flotation devices especially when boating.

Personal flotation devices help inexperienced swimmers to enjoy water sports and during a boating or swimming accident can help aid in saving a life. They are designed specifically to keep the vital parts of the body out of the water so a swimmer can float to a safe destination.