MESA, Ariz. -- The holiday weekend turned tragic for one Valley family when their son drowned in a back yard pool in Mesa.

The father found the 1-year-old in an above ground pool near McDowell and Recker roads around 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

The dad was able to pull the boy out and tried to do CPR, but the boy was unresponsive, rescue personnel said.

Fire officials said the pool did not have a fence around it.

Police pass along these safety tips to help prevent drownings:

Install a fence that's at least 4 feet tall.

Install alarms loud enough to be heard inside a home.

Consider using a pool cover to block access.

Teach children to swim.

Remove toys from the water.