Who doesn't enjoy jumping into a refreshing cold pool on a hot summer day? Do we think of the dangers that may arise out of this simple action? Swimming pool accidents include diving accidents, water contamination, and drowning. You are probably wondering, why are we talking about pools as we head into the winter months? For some reason this topic came to my mind recently. I thought I would post some information to remind pool owners of the importance of this recall.
Over the summer, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of 1 million spa and pool drain covers. These drain covers were installed by many pool owners as an additional safety feature. They were installed to prevent an entrapment hazard. It has been reported by federal regulators that these drain fail to prevent entrapment of a swimmer. Bottom line, you have installed this extra preventive measure, now you are told that it is unsafe?
Think of your pool drains as a vacuum. If the drain covers are malfunctioning, the drain of a pool or recreational spa can react like extremely high powered vacuum cleaners. The drains are functioning with hundreds of pounds of suction force. Couple this with an improperly fitted or malfunctioning drain cover. Due to the improper fit of the drain cover, the drain can easily pull something towards it with great force and trap a swimmer under water.
If you are a pool owner, it is imperative that you replace the malfunctioning drain cover (safety feature). Malfunctioning drain covers can cause swimmers to get trapped underwater. In the most serious cases it can lead to drowning. The drain covers are very inexpensive. They need to be installed properly for optimal functioning. It is suggest that you hire a professional to replace or refit the covers. Many pool owners feel that this is a costly maintainence, it can save a life. According to the terms of the recall the labor expense will be covered by the manufacturers. The drain covers from this recall are made by eight manufacturers. For additional information contact the Consumer products recall website.
As a Chicago injury lawyer, I realize that owning a swimming pool can provide endless hours of summer enjoyment and fun for your family. Every year many swimmers, the majority being young children, are injured or die in swimming pool-related accidents. Swimming pool accidents can also include diving accidents. These are the leading cause of injury from a swimming accident. Other serious injuries can occur in and around a swimming pool.
Swimming pool accidents include:
• Sprains
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injury
• Head injury
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Electrical shock
• Drowning and death
According to Chicago swimming pool accident lawyer David Nemeroff most drowning's happen in an instant. They usually occur with a supervising adult. Any child should not be left unattended in a swimming pool. Not even for a brief second. Also property owners need to provide proper barriers and pool fencing. This safety feature is vital in preventing an unaccompanied child from gaining access to the pool area. As a property owner it is your responsibility to provide a safe swimming environment for all swimmers. This includes both children and adults.
When swimming in a public pool, be sure to look for the pool rules. They should be posted in a visible location for all swimmers to see. The rules are to warn swimmers of the dangers involved in swimming, running or diving in shallow water. All public pools are required by law to post signs regarding the status of lifeguards.
Source:
Drain cover recall, Chicago Tribune, May 26, 2011
