Whether your child is at the beach or swimming in a pool -- be sure to take precautions anytime they are near water.

According to the Children's Safety Handbook, drowning is one of the three leading killers of children in some countries.

Water that is only two inches deep can be hazardous to an infant who cannot yet support themselves.

And the single most common cause for drowning in swimming pools is lack of adult supervision.

Children, especially those who are very young, should never be left unattended at the beach or by a pool.

Experts urge pool owners to keep life-saving equipment right beside their pool and when the pool is not in use, keep it covered.

Pools should also be surrounded by a fence which has a locked gate.

When taking to the open seas on a boat, be sure to take special precautions when children are on board. Never leave a child unsupervised on a boat and before you set sail make sure that they are wearing a life jacket.

The Children's Handbook also recommends that adults explain to children why they should not sit on the bow or the boat railings since abrupt changes in course could knock a child overboard.

If you find yourself in an emergency situation where you must save a drowning victim, the Fire Prevention Handbook insist that the only option is to act quickly.

"Get the victim out of the water, on to shore, a dock, float or on to a boat,'' said the Bermuda Fire Services Association guide. "If necessary, artificial respiration may be administered while you and the victim are still in the water.'' Be sure to get someone to call for an ambulance, never leave a victim to make the call yourself.

With any luck, a few simple precautionary measure will help make the summer of `99 one you will always want to remember, instead of one you wish you could forget.