More than 375 children under the age of 5 years old drown in pools each year. Physical barriers designed to limit access to pools provide an important layer of security. Effective barriers include fences or walls, and power safety covers over pools. Fences and walls should be at least 4 feet high and installed completely around the pool. The latch should be out of a small child's reach.
Supervision also is key to prevention, especially with toddlers.
Because their capabilities change everyday, toddlers often do the unexpected, like opening closed pool gates they previously could not open. Knowing how to swim doesn't make a child drownproof. Watch children closely while they are in the pool. If a child is missing, always look in the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.