Pool Safety Bill Encourages States To Adopt Pool Safety Laws

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz has introduced a new bill designed to put pool safety fences around all swimming pools, hot tubs and whirlpools. Her main purspose of this proposed legislation is to raise the nation's awareness of pool safety.

U.S. Rep. Wasserman Schultz became alarmed by the number of pool drowning deaths when she served in the Florida Legislature. She pushed through a state law in Florida that required all new residential swimming pools to be built with one of four safety features:

• Pool barrier fence
• Pool cover, such as a pool net
• Exit alarms on all doors or windows with pool access
• Self-closing, self latching pool gates

Pool Guard was behind this particular piece of pool safety legislation when it was first proposed in Florida. Pool Guard also supports the new legislation to require pool safety fences around all swimming pools, hot tubs and whirlpools. With over 600 swimming pool drowning deaths for children under age 4 in Florida, we know all too well that the best way to prevent a pool drowning is to provide additional layers of protection such as a pool fence.

Sacramento Sees 9 Pool Drownings or Near Drownings Since April 1

From the News 10 ABC article, "Family Recounts Toddler's Near Drowning".

"Since April 1, there have been nine drownings or near drownings of children in pools and spas in the Sacramento area. "

A decision to purchase a pool fence or a pool net for your swimming pool is wise and responsible. Drowning can occur in as little as three seconds and is a leading cause of accidental death in children under five years of age. Additionally, each year there are many young victims of near drowning who require emergency room treatment, many of whom suffer permanent damage. A majority of children who are involved in these tragic accidents have been missing from sight for a very short period of time and were last seen in the home. Even though there is no substitute for adult supervision, a pool fence or net provides an additional layer of protection between a precious child and a pool which helps guard against disaster.

Adam Horn
Pool Guard of Sacramento
916-673-3152