Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim--this includes adults and children. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll in a course to learn or improve your ability to swim, contact your local Red Cross chapter.

Never leave a child unobserved around water. Your eyes must be on the child at all times. Adult supervision is recommended.

Install a phone by the pool or keep a cordless phone nearby so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Learn Red Cross CPR and insist that babysitters, grandparents, and others who care for your child know CPR.

Post CPR instructions and 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.

Enclose the pool completely with a self-locking, self-closing fence with vertical bars. Openings in the fence should be no more than four inches wide. The house should not be included as a part of the barrier.

• The gate should be constructed so that it is self-latching and self-closing.

Never leave furniture near the fence that would enable a child to climb over the fence.

Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the pool and know how to use it. Pole, rope, and personal flotation devices (PFDs) are recommended.

Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.

Pool covers should always be completely removed prior to pool use.

If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area