The keys to preventing these tragedies are placing barriers around your pool, closely supervising your child and being prepared in case of an emergency. The latch should be out of a small child's reach. If your house forms one side of the barrier to the pool, then doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that produce a sound when a door is unexpectedly opened. For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured and locked, or removed when the pool is not in use. If a child is missing, always look in the pool first.
Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
Keep rescue equipment by the pool and be sure a phone is poolside with emergency numbers posted. You or someone in your household should know cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Pool alarms can be used as an added precaution. Underwater pool alarms generally perform better and can be used in conjunction with pool covers. CPSC advises that consumers use remote alarm receivers so the alarm can be heard inside the house or in other places away from the pool area.