Beach safety: How to stay safe in the water

BERRIEN CO., Mich. -- The weather is getting warmer and many people are already heading to the beach.

So far this year, there have been 20 drownings on the Great Lakes.

According to the member of the Surf Rescue Project, many of these tragedies could have been avoided through proper training.

"They way people present themselves when drowning are facing shore, head back, mouth open, and usually a look of panic on their face," said Bob Pratt of the Great Lakes Rescue Project.

Pratt says the key is getting victims to float life a surf board or a buoy.

Another problem is that many Great Lakes Beaches don't always have a lifeguard on duty.