The law was named after a sad story of a granddaughter of a former secretary of State James Baker III. Virginia Graeme Baker, a twin sister and the youngest of five daughters, died in a swimming pool accident in 2002. A suction from a main drain spa entrapped her under the water. I believe she was a lovely 7 years old who had love and support on her side. A friend tried to help Graeme (that’s what they called her) and two men broke the drain but she died on her arrival to the hospital. Her parents Nancy and James Baker and Safe Kids Worldwide supported the act.
You might be wondering what this law is about. We will work on that subject because we think it is important for to know everything related to safety on swimming pools.
Under the law P&SS (The Virginia Graeme Pool and Spa Safety Act), approved by President Bush on December, 19, 2007, all public pools and spas must have a minimum of one additionally installed anti-entrapment system, instead of a single main drain. The multiples outlets in swimming pools reduce child drowning by suction entrapment, injuries or deaths.
To increase the use of multiple ways of safety for your swimming pool, as fencing around pools and to educate the public of the importance of constant supervision of children in and around the water and other safety devices, the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) is working with the pool and spa safety community.
With the law, is mandatory for all public pools and spas be equipped with a suction fitting according to the ANSI/APSP-16 (this is the successor standard to ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007) and only pool drain covers manufactured after December of 2008. If the pool is not in compliance to the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, the steps to comply should be taken.
The CPSC ruled additional requirements for safety devices or systems in September 2011, such as safety vacuum release system, suction-limiting vent system, gravity drainage system, automatic pump shut-off system, drain disablement and any other system that is ruled by CPSC.
They examined reports of circulation entrapments accidents and found 74 reports in 2007 with the highest frequency with kids between 5 and 9 years old. As a result of all reported cases of entrapments, the mentioned act was designed to prevent all types of accidents caused by suction, including entrapment of body, hair, limbs, mechanical (jewelry or swim suits) and evisceration, when suction draws out organs.
Wish to enjoy a safe swimming pool for you and your kids? We can surely help you. Give Eagle Pools Services a call. Our phone number is 954-573-4916. We have the best technicians in town that can easily do the hard work for you.
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Palm Beach and Broward County (Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Davie, Delray Beach, Hollywood, Parkland, Pompano Beach, Miramar, Tamarac, Weston and surrounding areas) have the expertise to make you swimming pools shine and clear.
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