What should a parent know about child pool safety?  

Very good point, expecially with warm weather right around the corner. I prefer to have a pool alarm and while it doesn't compare with actually watching your child and along with a fence and a gate, an alarm is the next best thing.

As a former pool operator, I take note of the drownings and accidents that happen every year. For some reason, toddlers are irresistably drawn to the sparkling water.

Another point to keep in mind is the clarity of the water. You should be able to see the drain clearly. One frantic mom looked in her pool for her missing child and saw nothing and raced off to search elsewhere. The pool was so cloudy she could not see the youngster lying on the bottom.

capedeh is right. Never never never take your eyes off the child when at a pool. Although I wanted one growing up, after learning of all the tragedies, I would never have a backyard pool - never.
Please be safe.

Our eldest is a strong swimmer and nearly a teenager - but we would never ever let her near the pool on her own, there is simply way too much potential for accidents to happen, especially when theyre excited and having fun.