The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics show that over 300 children under the age of 5 drown in a swimming pool every year and that almost 2,000 children annually are treated for submersion injuries. If you have small children or you have a pool, following some simple safety procedures and tips could prevent those you care about from becoming a part of these statistics.

• Install a self-closing pool gate. This is first and foremost for any pool owner. For a little one, it can act as a final barrier between the house and your pool. Considering its modest price, this may be the single best investment a family with a pool can make. A rigid pool cover is also a great tool, but it should always be used in conjunction with the self-closing gate.
• Prepare yourself for emergencies by having every family member who's reached the appropriate age certified in CPR.
• Keep a phone by the pool in case someone needs to call 911. This will save a lot of time during a worst-case scenario.
• Clear the pool and surrounding area of any toys that may attract toddlers. Be sure to include pool cleaners that look like toys on your list.
• Equip your home's back door and pool gate with a buzzer that sounds when opened. You can also buy alarms that float in the pool and sound any time the water is disturbed.
• Be extremely wary of any plastic or inflatable pools as well. These, for the most part, are un-gated and carry a huge risk. The tendency is to fill them up and keep them filled. It is assumed that if the child can stand up in the water, they'll be OK. This doesn't take into account what may happen if a child panics. It's best to drain these types of pools after every use. It only takes several inches of water for a child to drown.
• If your family does not own a pool, your child's water safety still requires due diligence. It's not enough to simply know where children are at all times. Whether you're at the beach, lake, or a pool, keep your child within arm's reach. Do not rely on babysitters to do this, or anyone else for that matter. Keep your child close to you.
• It is also a good idea to choose your swimming locations carefully. On-duty lifeguards are a plus but should not be relied upon completely. Keep a close eye on waves and current conditions as they can easily pull a child under water.
• Swimming lessons are a good idea but can provide a false sense of security for those with younger children. Revisit lessons every summer until you are 100% sure your child is a competent swimmer.
  

Whether enjoying pool time with family and friends, exercising, playing water sports, or learning to swim, everyone needs to be mindful of the potential for incidents and drownings in pools and spas.  Sharing these tips with anyone who has small children could potentially help save lives.  Have a safe summer!