GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - KARE is kicking off a new program to make you a "Water Watchdog."

The Water Watchdog program is part of the Abbey's Hope organization. Abbey is the Twin Cities girl who died after a tragic accident involving a pool drain in 2007. If you take the online pledge, you'll receive a Water Watchdog 'dog tag' to wear to the pool or beach as a visual reminder.

According to the DNR, at least 25 people have died in non-boating drownings so far this year. That's compared to 13 drownings all of last year.

Tyler Green with the Life Time Fitness Aquatics Department says it's important to be your child's own personal lifeguard. Below are the rules, he says, every parent or guardian needs to follow:

1. Every child under 12 needs to be supervised.
2. Follow the 25:10 rule. If a child can't swim 25 meters continuously, an adult must be within 10 feet of that child.
3. Take a break every 15 minutes. Remember to reapply sunscreen, rehydrate and take bathroom breaks.
4. Keep all strollers at least 4 feet from the pools edge.

(Copyright 2012 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)