Florida Swimming Pool Safety Alert : Pool Drain Covers Recalled for Entrapment Hazard, Could Lead to Drowning Accidents
If you own a backyard swimming pool or hot tub spa at your home in Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Florida, or any other Sunshine State community -- you'd better inspect the pool drain cover. ABC News reports a large-scale voluntary recall of swimming pool drain covers, due to potential risk of entrapment that could lead to injury or death for swimmers.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the largest consumer product safety recall of swimming pool drains ever. More than one million swimming pool drain covers manufactured by multiple companies have been listed by the CPSC for voluntary recall due to mislabeling regarding water flow ratings. Improper fit and functioning of swimming pool and hot tub drain covers can cause swimmers to become entrapped by the suction of the pool drains, which could lead to injuries or death by drowning.
South Florida swimming pool accident injury lawyers pay close attention to consumer product safety recalls such as this one. The proper functioning of pool drain covers in Florida's public and private swimming pools has been in the news in recent years. If the swimming pool or hot tub drain covers are not functioning properly, there's a risk of swimmers or bathers becoming stuck on the bottom by the intense suction, as the pool drains and filters the water. If the entrapped swimmers -- including small children -- are unable to be freed quickly, they could become seriously injured or die from drowning in Florida swimming pool accidents.
Last summer, ABC News obtained a confidential industry report stating that improperly fitted and functioning pool drains can lead to serious injury and drowning death. The media outlet reported that since 1999, at least 11 people have died due to drowning by being entrapped by swimming pool drains. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which created stricter anti-suction standards for pool drain products, was named after a seven-year-old girl died from such a pool drowning accident.
See resource links below to get more information on whether your Florida swimming pool or hot tub may be fitted with one of the recalled pool covers -- and what you can do about it. Be aware that Florida swimming pool accidents may also involve premises liability issues. Florida swimming pool accidents that lead to drowning are the no. 1 cause of accidental death of children under the age of 5. Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled products immediately until they can be assessed for safety and/or replaced or retrofitted.
Drowning Risk Prompts Biggest Ever Recall Of Backyard Pool Drain Covers
ABCNews.com May 26, 2011
Confidential Study Warns Of 'Serious Injury Or Deaths' From Drain Covers Used In Millions of US Pools
ABCNews.com Aug. 24, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Eight Manufacturers Recall Pool and In-Ground Spa Drain Covers Due to Incorrect Ratings
Consumer Product Safety Commission Press Release May 26, 2011
The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals -- Pool and Inground Spa Drain Cover Recall
Related Florida Injury Attorney Articles:
Florida Drowning Accidents: Red Cross Issues Memorial Day Weekend Warning
Swimming Pool Safety Law Update: Child Advocates Concerned About Compliance
