Three years after its introduction by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) Florida, countless testimonials, and much activism, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act was approved by Congress. It was incorporated into the omnibus energy bill approved by Congress on December 19, 2007 and signed by President George W. Bush. Keep updated on the VGB Pool and Spa Safety Act, anti-entrapment drain covers, safety vacuum release systems, compliance by public and private pool owners, ongoing issues, and enforcement of the law by the CPSC and other health and safety organizations.
Summary: The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
The purpose of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is to increase the safety of swimming pools and spas by:Requiring the use of proper devices, such as anti-entrapment drain covers and fences/barriers, through the establishment of a grant incentive program in order to encourage states to enact comprehensive pool and spa laws.
Educating the public about drowning prevention
Establishing a federal swimming pool and spa drain cover standard.
Ensuring public pools are equipped with proper safety devices.
Anti-Entrapment Covers: Part of Pool & Spa Safety Act
An introduction to anti-entrapment drain covers and why they're critical for pool safety. By establishing a federal safety grant program, the bill hopefully will increase public awareness of preventing suction entrapment and employing "layers of protection" barrier requirements around pools and spas.Who Was Virginia Graeme Baker?
Photo Courtesy of the Baker Family
Learn the story behind the little girl who died as the result of becoming entrapped in the drain of a hot tub. She is one of many who have drowned or become disemboweled because of the force of pool or spa drains' powerful suction.
Pool and Spa Safety Act FAQs
APSP Answers FAQs
The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) has compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safey Act. The association's FAQs are periodically updated; these questions were posted on the APSP site on January 30, 2009.
CPSC Answers FAQs About VGB Act and Compliance
Both the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the State Attorneys General are empowered to enforce the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. Find out answers to other questions as the CPSC addresses issues, concerns and confusion surround the act and anti-entrapment drain covers.
List of CPSC-Approved Anti-Entrapment Drain Covers
Owners and operators of public swimming pools had a deadline of Dec. 19, 2008, to be equipped with anti-entrapment drain covers and fittings conforming to ASME/ANSI standards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission will enforce compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act as a consumer product safety rule.CPSC List of Safety Vacuum Release System Manufacturers
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released a list of companies that manufacture safety vacuum release systems in various sizes that have represented to the CPSC staff to meet the ASME/ANSI A112.19.17 or ASTM F2387 standards.Swimming Pool Safety: 7 Layers of Protection for Swimming Pool Safety
Photo © Lisa Hallett Taylor
Follow these layers of protection mandated in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act to make your pool or spa safer.
