We recommend having multiple layers of water safety protection:

• Make sure there is an isolation fence around the pool, separating the pool from the house and the surrounding yard. It should be at least 4 feet high, with self-latching and self-locking doors.

• Install secondary barriers such as house door alarms, water disturbance alarms, and child immersion alarms.

• Make sure kids have constant supervision when they’re in or around water. Designate at least one adult “water watcher” at all times. If you’re with a group, have adults take turns.

• Teach kids survival swimming skills.

• Kids that are not strong swimmers should wear US Coast Guard-approved, well-fitting life jackets. (But be aware they don’t make your child drown-proof — still keep constant watch.)

• Set water safety rules for the whole family — for example, kids should never swim alone, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep, don’t dive into water less than 9 feet deep, stay away from pool drains, pipes and other openings, etc.

• Parents and caregivers should learn bystander CPR.

• Swimming lessons and life jackets do not replace supervision. Always watch kids in and around water. Drowning is swift and silent — it can happen in less than a minute.

• All pools should have a safety reaching device like a shepherd’s crook.

• Keep a phone nearby so you can quickly call 911 in an emergency.

• Remember, kids can drown in just an inch of water and it happens swiftly and silently — drain inflatable pools and coolers after each use.

• Ensure pools and spas have compliant drain covers and are kept in working order.