What can be done to baby proof our pool?

Every year, hundreds of young children in the United States drown and thousands more are hospitalized with brain damage or other injuries due to accidents in home swimming pools or spas. This is particularly tragic because most of these accidents could have been prevented with a few simple steps.

For starters, put a pool fence around your pool. It must be at least 4 feet high with no gaps wider than 3 inches. If you have an above-ground pool, be sure to remove or lock up the ladder when the pool isn't in use.

Inside your home, add latches to any doors and windows that lead outside. Get in the habit of using these latches at all times, make sure and ask your houseguests to do the same. If you have an alarm system in your home, set it on "Chime." This means the alarm system will make a chime sound if anyone opens a perimeter door or window, and alert you if your child tries to get out. If you're not sure whether your alarm system has this feature, ask your alarm company.

No matter what kind of alarm system you have for your pool or home, don't let your guard down. Even the best alarm is no substitute for a fence, latches, and most of all vigilance. Never let a young child go near a pool or spa without close adult supervision.