For above-ground pools, steps and ladders should be secured and locked or removed when the pool is not in use.

Swimming pool fencing and other protective barriers should be at least 4 feet high and installed completely around the pool. Fence gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of a small child's reach.

Never prop open the gate to a pool barrier.

Do not leave pool toys and floats in or around the pool. This attracts young children to the water.

Keep toys, particularly tricycles or wheel toys, away from the pool, spa, or hot tub. A child playing with these could accidentally fall into the water.

If you use any of the lightweight, floating pool, spa, or hot tub covers, be especially alert for the potential for drowning accidents. These covers are not designed for safety and no one should ever crawl or walk on them.

A secure safety pool cover is suggested. A pool cover that is designed to support two adults and a child on the cover. These come in many varieties that can be locked, opened, and closed by a motor or by hand.