We’ve all read all the usual pool safety tips over the years and are probably numb to them by now.
We pretty much have the basics down to memory: that there should always be adult supervision, that we should have our pools enclosed with a high fence, that we should always have a flotation device close by along with other rescue equipment, and that toys should not be left around the water source at the risk of enticing young children.
But how many times have you heard about the dangers of pool and spa drains? Drain covers that are missing, broken or noncompliant with the latest laws can pose a significant danger. There is a risk of entrapment if the drain cover is not fitted properly. It can entangle hair or even hold a body under water. Both children and adults have been injured and even killed by broken or improperly installed swimming pool drain covers.
In 2008, a new federal law was passed that requires all public pools and spas to install safer anti-entrapment drain covers and other devices to keep children and adults from getting injured or worse.
The following story was taken from www.poolsafely.gov. It tells how the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act came to fruition.
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act) takes its name from Virginia Graeme Baker, a young girl who drowned after she was trapped under water by the powerful suction from a hot tub drain.
A twin and the youngest of five, 7-year-old Graeme, as her family called her, was the daughter of Nancy and James Baker IV, the son of former Secretary of State James Baker III. A member of her community swim and diving team, Graeme was able to swim without assistance since she was 3.
In June 2002, Graeme became stuck to a hot tub drain and was unable to pull herself free. Efforts by her mother to pull Graeme from the drain proved unsuccessful. Two men who eventually freed Graeme from the spa pulled so hard that the drain cover broke from the force. Graeme died from drowning, but the real cause of her death was suction entrapment due to a faulty drain cover.
After her tragic death, her mother worked tirelessly to advocate for pool and spa safety. Nancy Baker, her family and Safe Kids Worldwide actively lobbied Congress to win support for a law to require anti-entrapment drain covers and other safety devices, as needed. The statute, which was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, was signed into law in December 2007.
To carry out the requirements of the act, CPSC launched “Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives,” a national public education campaign to raise public awareness about drowning and entrapment prevention, support industry compliance with the act’s requirements and improve safety at the nation’s pools and spas.
The act provides guidelines for making all pools and spas safer. But even years after the law, there are many swimming pools and spas that are not compliant and could be dangerous. No pool or spa is safe if the drain cover is broken, missing or cracked. The pool should be closed until repairs can be made. You can visit www.poolsafely.gov for training and other information about becoming compliant with the act or email poolsafely@CPSC.gov. Certifications for pool operators and pool inspectors are also available from the National Swimming Pool Foundation at NSPF.org. Information is free to the public.
You will find pool and spa safety educational videos; a “Kid’s Corner” where child-friendly interactive teaching games are available as well as “Safety Steps for Kids and Parents.”
I’m a huge proponent of education through video and hands-on games for our now generation. Knowledge is power, and we all need to do our part for preparedness to spread the word and educate the best possible way we can. Please do your part for community preparedness by sharing this information with your family, friends and neighbors. Our community will be a better place for it.
Here are some other resources:
* And for those who think it’s all about pools and spas, remember that the dangers of drowning also apply to bathtubs, bath seats and buckets, too: http://1.usa.gov/Jtwiet.
Elizabeth Hall is an emergency services specialist for the Kings County Public Health Emergency Preparedness program. Read all her Preparedness Facts articles at http://bit.ly/uT4nh3.
