Now that summer is upon us, News 12 shows you how to stay connected at the beach or by the pool.

News 12's Kristina Cartwright has some tips on how to protect your electronics this summer.

Thanks to their portability, a lot of smartphones and tablets will log time near the sun and sand this summer. But a day at the beach or pool can pose some hazards for gadgets.

There are a number of waterproof cases on the market, but lacking that accessory, Consumer Reports says a plastic bag can protect a device from sand and water in a pinch, while still allowing you to use touch-screen functionality.

Experts say to keep devices out of direct sunlight or in the car since they can easily overheat. It's best to keep that device with you, and in the shade. However, with so much personal data now stored in smartphones and tablets, you shouldn't leave them unattended.

Another tip experts advise is if device takes a dip in the water, it can sometimes be salvaged by sticking it in a bowl of dry rice as soon as possible. They recommend pulling out the battery first, if possible.

A gadget that's lodged with sand can benefit from cleaning with a can of compressed air.