Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Will Protect Children in Commercial Pools
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Will Protect Children in Commercial Pools
From 1999 to 2007 at least nine people died in pool drains and 63 were injured – this is according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In 2002, Virginia Graeme Baker, age 7, drowned in a spa when she became entrapped by the powerful suction of a drain. Virginia was the granddaughter of former U.S. Secretary of State, James Baker.
The idea behind these new regulations is to save the lives of children.
With pool accidents rising, there are new regulations designed to keep swimmers—especially children—safe. The most notable is a federal act, Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB), which requires that all public pools and spas—such as municipal pools, hotels, country clubs and day camps—install a compliant [ANSI/ASME 112.19.8-2007] drain cover.
Many people are unaware of the injuries and fatalities caused by suction entrapment. Jim Gibson, the owner of Pool X Perts, a South Florida Pool Company, feels a responsibility towards assisting his clients comply with new regulations. He explains, “Our company is dedicated to pool safety. We already have the services and products available to meet the latest safety standards.”
Get expert help to navigate local and federal safety regulations.
The federal safety act (VGB) takes effect December 19, 2008 and it includes potentially hefty fines or even imprisonment for noncompliance. The challenge for commercial pool owners and operators is that in addition to compliance with VGB, they often face an array of new regulations that vary from state to state, and from town to town.
Jim Gibson recommends that commercial pool owners contact a professional pool company in their own community. Gibson’s company, Pool-X-Perts, which is located in South Florida, has been working closely with manufacturers to find a drain cover that meets both federal and state regulations.
Pool operators, especially with single suction outlet systems, are looking for an easy, cost-effective and readily available product to achieve compliance. Jim explains, “Most pool owners don’t realize how easy it is to comply with the new safety act. The products we’re distributing easily and safely retrofit to most existing frames and meet or exceed safety standards.”
Commercial owners and operators of pools and spas can learn more about the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and how to comply at www.pool-x-perts.com. Pool-X-Perts provides the products and services commercial pools in Southern Florida need in order to achieve compliance prior to the December 19, 2008 deadline.
About Pool-X-Perts
Pool-X-Perts is a complete swimming pool and spa service/maintenance, repair and remodeling company for residential and commercial properties. Pool-X-Perts is a privately held company headquartered in Dania Beach, Florida. For more information please visit www.pool-x-perts.com.
Jim Gibson is the owner of Pool-X-Perts a full service Pool and Spa maintenance company in South Florida.
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