• NEVER leave a child unobserved around water. Your eyes must be on the child at all times. Adult supervision is recommended. Designate a water watcher.
• Enclose your yard and pool with a self locking, self closing fence with vertical bars. Openings in fence should be no more than four inches wide.
• Never leave furniture near the fence that would enable a child to climb over the fence.
• Keep toys and pets away from the pool. They can cause a child to fall into the water.
• Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the pool and know how to use it. Pole, rope and life preservers are recommended.
• Install a phone by the pool and keep a cordless phone nearby.
• Post CPR instructions and 9-1-1 emergency number in pool area.
• Pool covers should always be completely removed prior to pool use.
• Learn Red Cross CPR and insist that babysitters, grandparents and others who care for your child know CPR.
• Enroll in Red Cross Basic Water Safety classes.

How To Prevent A Water Emergency:

• Never swim alone. Try to swim in supervised areas only.
• Know your swimming limits and stay within them. Don't try to keep up with a stronger skilled swimmer or encourage others to keep up with you. Keep an eye on weaker swimmers-- if they appear tired, encourage them to rest on land.
• Never drink alcohol and swim.
• Obey "NO DIVING" signs, which always indicate the area is unsafe for head first entries. A general rule is to enter the water feet first rather than head first if you don't know the depth. In addition, learn the correct way to dive from a qualified instructor.
• Watch out for the "dangerous too's"-- too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
• Stay out of the water when overheated.
• Do not chew gum or eat while you swim because you could easily choke.
• Use common sense about swimming after eating. In general, you do not have to wait an hour after eating before you can safely swim. However, if you have eaten a large meal, it is best to digest before swimming.
• The Red Cross recommends that you wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating and fishing.
• Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Because water conducts electricity, it is wise to stop swimming or boating as soon as you see or hear a storm.

In The Event Of A Water Emergency:

• CHECK the scene to ensure it's safe, and CHECK the victim,
• CALL 9-1-1, and
• CARE for the person until help arrives.

In The Event Of A Drowning:

• Remove the person from the water;
• Check for consciousness and breathing;
• If the person is not breathing, open the airway and attempt rescue breathing;
• If air does not go in, give abdominal thrusts for children and adults to clear the airway;
• Once the airway is clear, provide rescue breathing or CPR as needed.

The American Red Cross has courses available in CPR and other health and safety procedures, as well as disaster preparedness training classes.