Rhinelander - This weekend there was a scary reminder for parents with young children.

A two-year old Minnesota boy drowned in a Land O' Lakes pool Friday night.

It only takes a few inches of water for a small child to drown.

It can happen in just a short lapse of parental supervision.

In this case, Vilas County Police say the two-year old was left unattended. It's an unfortunate reminder for parents about swimming and water safety.

Melissa Nieman is the aquatics director at YMCA of the Northwoods.

She works with young children on a daily basis and says it's important to always stay close to your child around the water.

"Anytime you have a child, non-swimmer, never ever leave them unattended," Nieman says. "It's the golden rule, number one in a swimming pool, never leave a child unattended. Especially under four, because they will drown silently."

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4.

But they are definitely preventable.

Nieman says pool alarms are a good way to help prevent drownings.

"Anytime something goes into the water, an alarm goes off," Nieman says. "Usually they have them where your kids wear a necklace and if they fall into the pool near the laser, the alarm will sound. Even gates, latches, fences, covers, anything to protect around a swimming pool."

The alarm will go off anytime something goes in the water.

Pool and Water Safety Tips