News
Federal pool and spa safety requirements will help prevent accidental drowning and injuries
By Department of Consumer Protection
Jul 23, 2008 - 10:39:06 AM

The new federal law that requires safety drain covers and in some cases, anti-entrapment systems will help to reduce the threat of drowning and entrapment injuries and deaths in public pools and spas, Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. said today.

“The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act addresses the very real dangers that we see and hear about every summer, when pools and spas are most in use,” Farrell said. “By December 19th of this year, all public pools and spas must have safety drain covers, and in certain circumstances, an anti-entrapment system.”
Entrapment incidents involve a person being caught by the force of suction at the drain, holding the person underwater. These tragedies can occur because of a broken or missing outlet cover. Drowning commonly occurs when children get access to the pool during a short lapse in adult supervision.

“I encourage condominium managers and municipal recreation officials to take notice of the new law, and work to ensure that their public pools become compliant,” Farrell said. “Simple safety measures could very well prevent a child from falling victim to accidental drowning or entrapment.”
Parents should use these tips to help prevent drowning:

1. Since every second counts, always look for a missing child in the pool first. Precious time is often wasted looking for missing children anywhere but in the pool.

2. Don't leave toys and floats in the pool that can attract young children and cause them to fall in the water when they reach for the items.

3. Inspect pools and spas for missing or broken drain covers and replace them.

4. Do not allow children in a pool or spa with missing/broken covers. Inserting an arm or leg into the opening can result in powerful suction and total body submersion/drowning.

5. For above-ground and inflatable pools with ladders, remove or secure the ladder when the pool is not in use.

6. Be prepared for an emergency by having rescue equipment and a phone near the pool. Parents should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

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