If you have young children, have them take swimming lessons early on. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, formal swimming lessons can dramatically reduce the risk of drowning among children 1 to 4 years of age.
If you are in charged of young swimmers, be vigilant and closely supervise them. Don't take your eye off the children or become distracted. Drownings can occur very quickly and quietly.
Another good rule is to have little ones wear life jackets, even if they know how to swim. For older children, using the buddy system can help keep swimmers safe.
If you have a backyard pool, fence it off and install secure gates so no one uninvited can swim without your knowledge. A pool alarm is also a good idea. Experts also recommend clearing the pool area of toys and floats so young children won't be tempted to try to play by the pool unsupervised.