Designate a responsible adult to watch young children while in the bath and all children swimming or playing in or around water at all times. Whenever infants and toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within an arm's length, providing "touch supervision."

Adults should not be involved in any other distracting activity while supervising children, not even for a moment. Do not drink alcohol while supervising children.

Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Learn to swim. Be aware that the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend swimming classes as the primary means of drowning prevention for children younger than four. Constant, careful supervision and barriers such as pool fencing are necessary even when children have completed swimming classes.

Do not use air-filled or foam toys, such as "water wings," "noodles," or inner-tubes, in place of life jackets (personal flotation devices). These toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe.

Remove floats, balls and other toys from the pool after use so children are not tempted to reach for them.

Swim only in designated swimming areas.

Always swim with a buddy.

Select swimming sites that have lifeguards, whenever possible.