Supervision is the key word when it comes to pool safety, but supervision combined with a variety of barriers and safety devices - fences, latched gates, locked doors, pool covers and more - goes even further toward drowning prevention.

Drowning prevention tips for pool owners:

• Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area for any reason. Don't be distracted by doorbells, phone calls, chores or conversations. If you must leave the pool area, take the child with you, making sure the pool gate latches securely when it closes.
• Always keep your eyes on the child or children. Designate a child watcher, whether you or someone else, when you attend a party or have friends or family over.
• Talk with baby-sitters about pool safety, supervision and drowning prevention.
• Post rules such as "No running," "No pushing," "No dunking" and "Never swim alone." Enforce the rules.
• Don't rely on swimming lessons or "floaties" to protect your children in the water.
• Don't assume that drowning or a drowning incident couldn't happen to you or your family.
• Don't have a false sense of security just because you think your pool area and home are secure. Always watch your children, whether in the house or outside.
• Attend a CPR class. Make sure your baby-sitter knows CPR.
• For the nearest cardiopulmonary resuscitation class, contact your fire department, Red Cross or hospital.
• Encourage your neighbors to follow pool safety guidelines, including keeping their back gates and doors locked, and their pool gates securely closed and latched.