American Leak Detection advises public pool facilities and pool owners on main drain entrapment safety
Portland, OR (Grassroots Newswire) September 17, 2008 — According to a recent report issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the number of drowning deaths for children younger than five in pools and spas has increased from a yearly average of 267 to 283. Therefore, it’s imperative that public pool facilities and pool owners know about the safety precautions and new federal guidelines.
On December 19, 2007, President Bush signed the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act into law, making sweeping changes in swimming pool safety guidelines to prevent injury and accidental drowning from main drain entrapment. The law mandates that public pool facilities must meet the new federal guidelines by December 20, 2008.
According to Matthew Botermans, owner of American Leak Detection, serving the state of Oregon, though the law highlights public pools, these guidelines are very relevant to private pools and spas.
According to Botermans, older, flat style drain covers, channel drains, and covers smaller than 18X23 must be retro-fitted with an approved Anti-Entrapment Drain Cover – a listing compliance of ANSI/AMSE A112.19.8 (2007). In addition, pools and spas with single main drains may be required to have one of the following additional devices or systems: a Safety Vacuum Release System, Suction-Limited Vent System, Gravity Drainage System or Automatic Pump Shut-Off System.
“It’s extremely important that pool and spa owners in the local area are aware of the safety risks, and make sure their pools comply with these new laws. American Leak Detection Specialists are able to inspect the pool and retrofit the new devices to meet federal guidelines,” Botermans said. “The new laws are put into effect to ensure the public’s safety, and we are a resource to help public pool facilities and residential pool owners meet those standards. Our professional installation by certified divers will serve as a safeguard against further tragedies and accidents related to drain entrapment.”
The law is named for the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III, who joined Graeme’s mother, Nancy Baker, and Safe Kids USA in a three-year advocacy campaign for the legislation. In 2002 at the age of 7, Graeme Baker died in a spa after the powerful suction of a drain entrapped her under water.
According to Botermans, the maximum penalty for non-compliance is $1.825 million – a consequence few can afford.
In addition, American Leak Detection advises the following steps that can help prevent accidents:
- Install anti-vortex drain covers
- Limit access to the pool with physical barriers
- Supervise young children at all times
- Be prepared in case of an emergency
For more information on American Leak Detection or the new pool safety laws, please contact Matthew Botermans at 888-777-5325.
Contact:
Shari Botermans
American Leak Detection serving the State of Oregon
888-777-5325
Oregon@AmericanLeak.com
