With the unofficial start to summer kicking off this holiday weekend, we felt it important to revisit an issue we discussed before: pool and spa safety and drains. New regulations have gone into effect requiring newer safer drains. Older drains have long since caused children to become entrapped, either causing severe bodily injury or death. The CPSC issued a new report today on pool and spa safety and revisited the drain issue.
New data (PDF) from CPSC also shows that from 1999 through 2008, there were 83 reports of pool and spa entrapments, including 11 deaths and 69 injuries. Since 1999, 14% of the reported suction/entrapment incidents at pools or spas were fatal.
The Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SSAct) went into effect on December 19, 2008 and requires all public pools and spas to have anti-entrapment drain covers, and in certain circumstances, an additional anti-entrapment system. CPSC has prioritized public wading pools, kiddie pools and in-ground spas as the key areas of focus for enforcement and has called upon state departments of health to assist the agency in enforcing the law.
CPSC is also announcing the launch of a new Web site - www.PoolSafety.gov - which serves as a valuable source for information about the P&SSAct and drowning prevention. The new site provides information for the general public, the swimming pool and spa community, state and local officials, and the media.
Child safety is a paramount concern- please keep a careful eye on your children as they swim and play near pools and spas this summer.
If your child is ever injured by a product defect or otherwise, and you would like ot disuss it, feel free to contact our firm at 919-677-0144. Child safety is something we focus on, and something that is extremely important to us.
