Federal legislation took effect last December and requires all public pools and spas in places such as parks, hotels and schools to replace flat drain covers with dome-shaped covers that generate less suction force. The law was named for the 7-year-old granddaughter of former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker. She drowned in 2002 when she became trapped underwater by powerful suction from a drain in a spa.  The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act required public Pools and Spas to be in compliance by December 19, 2008.  The Consumer Products Safety Commission has reports of 130 people who became entrapped on pool and spa drains or whose hair became entangled in the drain cover, resulting in 27 deaths. While most pool operators have made a good effort to comply with this law be aware that there are few resources available to enforce this law through inspections.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with enforcing the law, but it has only 400 employees across the nation.  Colorado and local health departments conduct pool health inspections, but don’t have the authority to do safety inspections.  Therefore, some pools may not be in compliance.

Also this law only applies to public pools and spas, therefore, precautions need to taken while children are swimming private pools.  Children need to be supervised by an adult at all times while near a pool.  Even a child that is a great swimmer can be trapped by suction from a drain in a pool or spa.  Children should be given precautions to stay away from drains at all times even if it is a drain in a pool that is believed to be in compliance.  For more information on pool safety go to www.cpsc.gov.

- Pennie Clor