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NSF International Offers Consumers Free Pool Safety Tips

Posted on: Thursday, 18 June 2009, 14:38 CDT

Consumers Should Consider Certified Drain Covers to Prevent Injury

ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Swimming is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy, but proper pool safety is essential. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBPSSA), which took effect in December 2008, now requires that new anti-entrapment devices be installed.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070816/DCTH039LOGO)

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 300 children under the age of 5 drown in pools/spas each year and an additional 5,000-6,000 children are severely injured. Many of these accidents are due to broken or improperly installed drain covers. The VGBPSSA requires installation of new, stronger drain covers, which are designed to resist UV degradation and prevent body parts or hair from becoming trapped in the drain due to suction.

To help reduce the potential for accidents in and around the pool, NSF International, a public health and safety organization, is offering free pool safety tips on its Web site. NSF's recreational water safety experts have developed the following tips to help families create a safer swimming environment:

• Make sure properly-sized drain covers are installed. Don't allow anyone to play with or remove a drain cover. Consider upgrading to new certified drain covers that meet the requirements of the VGBPSSA.
• There is no substitute for adult supervision - a responsible adult should be present at the pool side at all times, especially when non-swimmers or small children are present.
• Be sure to drain any standing water from the surface of the pool cover, as small children can drown in even the smallest amount of water. Always remove the cover completely before allowing anyone to swim. This will help prevent swimmers from getting trapped underneath the cover.
• Make sure your pool area is surrounded by a fence that complies with local building codes. Gates leading to the pool area should have a self-closing and self-latching mechanism to prevent unauthorized entry.

For additional information on a wide array of public health and safety issues, consumers can visit NSF's Web site or contact NSF's Consumer Affairs Office at 1-877-867-3435 or info@nsf.org. A pool safety public service announcement and video are also available.

To view the entire news release, visit http://tinyurl.com/mh3qx6.

SOURCE NSF International

Source: PR Newswire

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