According to reports by the National Spa & Pool Institute (NSPI), an industry trade association, an alarming number of drowning deaths involve young children. And, these deaths don't happen in a lake, river or ocean for the most part; they occur in the family swimming pool.

Many of these deaths could have been avoided by using proper safety measures. Although most areas have stringent rules that require safety devices to protect persons near a pool, their effectiveness is marginal - at best - unless used in conjunction with other means.

While useful, there is no alarm, fence, or cover that can match the lifesaving-effectiveness of adult supervision. Under no circumstances should young children be allowed around a swimming pool when not in the company of an adult.

There is no substitute for knowing how to swim. Thus, one of the most valuable gifts that an adult can give a child is the opportunity to learn to swim whether or not there is a pool at home. Not all drownings occur at home.

Many local park and recreation departments, swim clubs, and schools offer swimming lessons for a modest fee or, in some cases, for free. Private lessons for groups or individuals can also be obtained in many areas. Check the Yellow Pages.

While supervision and education are essential, they offer little protection to a young uninvited guest who might make his way into your backyard for a quick dip. It is for this reason that access to a pool must be restricted. Among the more common methods are door locks, fencing and pool covers.

Doors and windows with direct access to the swimming pool should be equipped with safety-approved locks and latches that will restrict unauthorized access.

Unauthorized access to a pool can be made via ways other than windows and doors. Locks and latches would have little value in such instances. Fencing that is in good condition should surround the yard. In addition, all gates should have self-closing hardware and should latch automatically.

A means of limiting access to the pool is to install fencing around it. This is in addition to other fencing that might exist at property lines. This type of fencing often is constructed of ornamental iron.

Another method of restricting access is to install a pool cover. It consists of a durable one-piece fabric that covers the entire area of the pool. The fabric is anchored to a track, which is, in turn, fastened to the pool deck or underside of the pool coping.

Modern pool covers can be operated automatically using a key switch, with a power drill that connects to a centrally located operator, or manually. In all cases, the cover cannot be opened without use of a key.

There are several benefits to a swimming pool cover. When closed, it seals off every square inch of the pool. Thus, if alarms, latches or fencing should fail, the cover offers another layer of protection. In addition, a pool cover will lessen evaporation (which saves water), extend the life of chemicals, keep the pool cleaner, reduce heat loss and increase solar gain.

When closed, a pool cover can puddle with water from deck washing, rain or irrigation. This water must be pumped out on a regular basis to avoid the possibility of a small child drowning in a puddle on the surface of the cover.

There are various alarms that can be installed to notify someone within earshot that unauthorized access to the pool is being attempted. Such alarms can be placed at doors, gates, and even in the water. There also are motion-detection alarms that will sound off when movement in the area occurs. Unfortunately, they have been known to be set off when the family pet is exploring the pool area.

A pool should always have at least one rescuing device such as a ring-shaped life preserver or a telescopic pole with a shepherd's hook on the end. In addition, emergency lifesaving instructions should be posted in a visible location close to the pool.

A clean pool is a safe pool. A dirty pool can be the source of disease, and cloudy water can conceal hazards that can cause injury when one jumps or dives into a pool. Have the water tested frequently by a professional and keep it in balance at all times for the most healthful swimming conditions.

Finally, teach good boundaries. Children have lots of energy and have trouble defining when they are tired or cold or have had too much sun. Supervision, sunscreen, moderation and rest will make the pool a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.