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Wikijunior:Water Safety/Backyard Pools

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Never try to break into the pool enclosure - ask for access instead. Make sure the pool is surrounded by fences that children (not just your children) cannot climb.
Make sure you have an adult watching if you go swimming. Keep the gate to the pool secure and locked unless the pool is in use. Children should not have access - don't give them the key or combination.
Have a telephone handy whenever the pool is in use. Installing one where the water treatment system is, or always bringing a charged cordless phone to the pool will work.
Take a course in First Aid & CPR. If the worst happens, you should be prepared.
Stay where an adult can see you. Most important: supervise the pool when in use. Supervision takes all your attention - going inside to answer the phone, cooking on the BBQ or doing yard work decrease the likelihood that you will notice if something goes wrong in the pool. When toddlers are within the pool enclosure, they require individual attention because toddlers are at increased risk of drowning[1][2]
Make sure you keep safety equipment nearby and in good condition. This includes ring buoys and shepherds crooks.


References

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  1. "Drowning Overview: Ontario 2004" (PDF).
  2. "National Drowning Trends Report 1991-2000" (PDF).