According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 1999 and 2000, an average of 250 children under five years of age drown in swimming pools. In 2002, 1600 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for submersion injuries. Listed below are some recommendations for added pool safety.

Fences and walls should be at least 4 feet high and installed completely around the pool. Fence gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of a small child's reach. Keep furniture that could be used for climbing into the pool area away from fences.

If your house forms one side of the barrier to the pool, then doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that produce a sound when a door is unexpectedly opened. Look for alarms that meet the UL standard.

A power safety cover -- a motor-powered barrier that can be placed over the water area -- can be used when the pool is not in use. Look for safety covers that meet the ASTM standard.

Keep rescue equipment by the pool and be sure a phone is poolside with emergency numbers posted. Knowing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be a lifesaver.

Don't leave pool toys and floats that may attract young children to the water in the pool or pool area.

For above-ground pools, to prevent access, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured and locked, or removed when the pool is not in use.

If a child is missing, always look in the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.

Pool alarms can be used as an added precaution. Look for alarms that meet the requirements of the ASTM standard. The Commission advises that consumers use remote alarm receivers so the alarm can be heard inside the house or in other places away from the pool area.