In the summertime, there are few better ways to beat the heat than by taking a dip in a nice cool swimming pool. Unfortunately, a relaxing day can turn tragic if the proper safety precautions aren’t taken.

This past weekend, a 3-year-old boy from the Columbus area drowned in a backyard, above-ground swimming pool.

Although an investigation is still ongoing, police said the drowning appears to have been an accident.

According to the American Red Cross, more than 200 children drown in backyard swimming pools each year, making drowning one of the leading causes of unintentional death in children ages 1-4.

For people who own pools or who like to frequent public facilities often, safety should be a top priority, especially when children are involved.

Here are some safety tips from the Red Cross:

• Keep children under active supervision at all times. Stay in arm’s reach of young children. Designate a responsible person to watch the water when people are in the pool.

• Ensure everyone in the home knows how to swim well by enrolling them in age-appropriate water orientation and learn-to-swim courses.

• Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.

• Establish and enforce rules and safe behaviors, such as “no diving,” “stay away from drain covers,” “swim with a buddy” and “walk please.”

• Ensure everyone in the home knows how to respond to aquatic emergencies by having appropriate safety equipment and taking water safety, first aid and CPR courses.

• Secure your pool with appropriate barriers. Completely surround your pool with a 4-feet high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Place a safety cover on the pool or hot tub when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used for access. Consider installing a pool alarm that goes off if anyone enters the pool.