Most Pools Against Federal Regulation

A report says that most of the public pools in the United States, do not meet the standard of the new federal regulation regarding drains. About 240,000 of the 300,000 pools and hot tubs found in parks, hotels, and other public places need to be retrofitted to meet the standards set forth in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act which requires new, safer, pool drain covers.

Previously drains were found to be a danger to small children:

the suction caused by pumping the water can sometimes cause swimmers, especially children, to get stuck to the drain. Sometimes the suction is so great that people are unable to peel themselves off. Other times, body parts, such as fingers or hair, or the material from a swimsuit, can get caught in a drain. The result can be a drowning death or severe injury. Between 1999 and 2007, there were 74 reports of entrapments in pool drains, causing nine deaths and 63 injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

So, next time you go to a public pool, make sure it meets the government standards. Your child’s safety could be at risk.