As summer approaches, the Ventura County Emergency Medical Services Agency is starting its fourth annual drowning prevention campaign to remind parents and caregivers of various safety tips to prevent accidental drowning.

Last year, near drownings of children up to age 6 increased in the county from eight incidents in 2003/2004 to nine incidents in 2004/2005.

To prevent accidental drowning, follow these tips:

Maintain adult supervision

+Never leave children alone near water.

+Don't rely on swim lessons or inflatable toys to protect children.

+Designate a "child watcher" at all social gatherings.

Utilize layers of protection

+Enclose pools with foursided fencing at least 4 feet high and with self-closing and selflatching gates.

+Install safety alarms and locks on all doors and windows leading to the pool area.

Be prepared

+Learn CPR.

+Be sure everyone knows how to swim.

+Keep rescue equipment, a telephone and emergency phone numbers by the pool. If possible, try not to use a cellphone for emergency calls.

The Emergency Medical Services Agency will provide free child watcher kits, which consist of a laminated card with safety tips on one side and the words "designated child watcher" on the other side. The card can be worn by the watcher as a reminder to stay by the pool.

More information can be found at www.vchca.org/ph/ ems.