A Bridgeport attorney is advising the public on the importance of water safety as the Fourth of July weekend approaches.

Paul Ganim, a personal injury attorney and longtime Bridgeport boater, says it's one thing to relax by the water, but if kids are in the picture, you should always designate "a sober water-watcher."

"I would go to the beach, I would put a lifejacket on my kids at low tide, because when that tide comes in suddenly, and we're not paying attention, I know they are safe," said Ganim. "To have a great summer turn into a tragedy because somebody didn't wear a life jacket, fall into the water, drown, it's going to devastate families. It's so easy to protect them."

Ganim says between 1,500 and 2,000 people drown in the U.S. every summer, with July consistently recording the highest number of water deaths.