Almost 400 children drown each year in pools and spas and more than 5,000 others have to be treated for injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

More than 70-percent of all pool-related injuries happen in backyard pools.

Fredericksburg's public pool, which has numerous lifeguards, is in Dixon Park.

The American Red Cross and the CPSC also recommend that pool owners:

• Don’t let anyone swim unsupervised in a pool.

• Fence pools with a four-foot or taller fence with self-closing and self-latching gates. Make sure pool gates are closed and locked, especially when not in use.

• Install pool and gate alarms.

• Keep life jackets and flotation devices on hand.

• Assign a “water watcher” to keep an eye on anyone swimming in the pool.

• Keep emergency equipment, such as life preservers, a first aid kit and a cell phone, nearby.

• When the pool is not in use, remove all pool toys.

The CPSC offers additional tips and information on its website, www.poolsafely.gov. Additional pool safety information can be found on the American Red Cross website.