FENCING

There should be a fence on all four sides of the pool.

The fence should be at least 4 feet high.

No vertical opening in the fence should be more than 4 inches wide.

The fence should be constructed so that young children cannot climb it.

The fence should allow a clear view of the pool from the house.

GATE

The gate should be self-closing.

The gate should be 4 ft. high and have a self-locking mechanism at 54" in proper working order.

The gate latching mechanism should be out of reach of young children.

DOORS

All exit doors from the house to the pool should have a lock at least 54 inches above the ground and be routinely kept locked.

STEPS

Steps leading to an above-ground pool should be removed when the pool is not in use.

SUPERVISION

Young children should never be left alone in or around the pool.  They should always be supervised by an adult.

Babysitters and guardians should always be instructed about potential hazards to young children in and around the pool.

Caretakers should never rely on flotation devices or swimming lessons to protect a child.  Supervise young children at all times.

During pool parties, designate a "water watcher".

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Keep a phone at poolside.

If your child is missing, check the pool first.

Parents, guardians, and babysitters should know how to  institute CPR or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation immediately and how to call for emergency personnel.

Periodically review your pool safety systems for defects and appropriateness,

EDUCATION

Talk to your children about pool safety.

Post pool rules and follow them consistently.

Teach infants and young children to swim.