Health Tip: Rules for the Pool

(HealthDay News) -- Accidental drowning is a leading causes of death among children, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

So what can you do if you have a backyard pool?

Take some precautions, and insist on a number of safety rules, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. The academy offers these suggestions:

Make sure a fence completely surrounds a permanent pool, and that the gate is always locked when the pool isn't being used.
Never let anyone swim alone, unattended, even for a few seconds.
Children 4 years or older should take swimming lessons.
Make sure all toys are kept away from the pool when no one is swimming.
Completely drain inflatable pools after they are used.
Don't allow any electrical appliances, tricycles or other riding toys near the pool.
Never allow diving in a pool that isn't deep enough.
Don't allow children to run on a pool deck.

-- Diana Kohnle