As Floridians enjoy the spring weather, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has been conducting investigations into the safety of pool and spa drain covers.
As the investigation carries on, testing protocols used by some laboratories have been deemed improper, resulting in noncompliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SSAct). Defective pool and drain covers heighten the risk for a Naples swimming pool accident.
Our Fort Myers personal injury lawyers understand the risks posed by defective drain covers — which can lead to entrapment injuries and drowning. These investigations have provided the CPSC with more than 17,000 pages from the laboratories in response to subpoenas from the federal agency.
Many homeowners are uncovering and servicing their pools for the summer season. In Florida, pools are much more likely to be used year around. But that can mean there is no set time for safety and maintenance inspections. We suggest a thorough inspection be conducted at the start of the spring and summer swimming season, as well as around the Fourth of July and Labor Day.
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act), which regulates the safety of our pools, was passed after a young girl drowned from being trapped under the water by the suction from a hot tub drain. The suction proved to be too powerful, despite the fact that she had been swimming since she was 3 years old.
The failing marks returned to the CPSC raise red flags to Southwest Floridians as the Memorial Day weekend approaches. Anytime is a good time in Florida to have your pool and pool equipment thoroughly inspected. It’s encouraged that you have it checked thoroughly, and have it checked often.
National drowning statistics show that swimming pools can be fatal to anyone if the proper precautions are not taken to reduce the risk of preventable safety hazards. A national study determined approximately 10 people drowned on any given day each summer. Approximately 5,000 children under the age of 14 of hospitalized each year with 15 percent of them dying and 20 percent suffering severe and permanent brain damage. Drowning is the second-leading cause of injury-related deaths for children under the age of 14.
According to the Florida County Property Appraisers, Florida has the highest number of deaths resulting from swimming pool drownings in children under the age of 5. These fatalities often occur in cases where a pool lacked the proper safety features.
As Florida is home to more than 1,000,000 residential pools, residents are urged to practice all safety precautions, conduct regular inspections and make sure your pool meet safety standards.
Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, is a law firm committed to representing swimming pool injury victims throughout South Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, Sebring and Cape Coral. Call for a free and confidential appointment at 1-800-283-2900.