It's that time of year, it should be a fun time. But, unfortunately we hear too many stories about drownings especially with young children. Children ages one to four have the highest drowning rates.

• Supervise when in or around water. Designate a responsible adult to watch young children while in the bath, swimming or playing in or around water. You should provide "touch supervision", that is be close enough to reach the child at all times. Because drowning occurs quickly and quietly, adults should not be involved in any other distracting activity (such as reading, talking on the phone, texting) while supervising children, even if lifeguards are present.

• Learn to Swim. Formal swimming lessons can protect young children from drowning. However, even when children have had formal swimming lessons, constant, careful supervision when children are in the water, and barriers, such as pool fencing to prevent unsupervised access, are still important.

Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, your CPR skills could save someone's life.  

Immediate resuscitation at the site of a submersion incident, before the arrival of paramedic personnel, is associated with a significantly better neurologic outcome in children with submersion injury.
Bystanders should be able to start CPR, (chest compressions and rescue breathing).  

• Install Four-Sided Fencing. Install a four-sided pool fence that completely separates the pool area from the house and yard. The fence should be at least 4 feet high. Use self-closing and self-latching gates that open outward with latches that are out of reach of children. Also, consider additional barriers such as automatic door locks and alarms to prevent access or alert you if someone enters the pool area.
• Clear the Pool and Deck of Toys. Remove floats, balls and other toys from the pool and surrounding area immediately after use so children are not tempted to enter the pool area unsupervised.