Backyard pools are dangerous.  Statistics from Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that 1 in 4 fatal drowning accidents involve children 14 or younger.  From 2005 to 2007, there were an average of 283 drowning per year for children 5 and under.
 
For every child that dies, another 4 are taken to the emergency room for submersion-related accidents.  If a child survives, there may be permanent brain damage.

Children should always be supervised around a pool.

Pool should be completely fenced with a self-closing and self-latching gate.  Children should not be able to reach the latch.  Keep doors and windows leading to pool area secure.

Inspect back yard.  Make sure there are no tables or chairs that can be used to climb into the pool area.

Never partially remove a pool cover.  Small children may become trapped underneath it.

Keep toys away from pool.  Toys can fall into pool and a small child may go in after it.

Remove steps to above-ground pool when not in use.

Keep a phone poolside for two reasons.  If the phone rings, children are not left unsupervised when adult goes to answer it and it is close at hand in case of an emergency.

Make sure babysitters are aware of pool hazards for small children and to be continuously supervising to avoid accidents.

Keep rescue equipment by pool.

Learn CPR!

Parents, watch your kids.  We sometimes think they are safe because they are playing in the back yard or at a friend’s house.  Drowning is a more of a reality that an abduction, so never let children swim or play around pools unatteneded.