"I commend the Congress and the President on making the Pool and Spa Safety Act law today. I would also like to recognize Safe Kids Worldwide and former Secretary of State James Baker and his family for their commitment to this legislation and to pool safety. CPSC stands at the ready to implement this important safety bill and to work as we do every year to reduce child drownings in pools and spas.
Drownings happen quickly and quietly, so CPSC urges parents and caregivers to closely supervise children in and around the pool and to provide layers of protection. These layers include motion detectors, door alarms, and reliable barriers to prevent access to the pool. Proper drain covers and easily accessible cut-off switches that can prevent an entrapment in a pool or spa are also critically important. Drowning is one of the greatest dangers to children in and around the home and we share a commitment with state and local government agencies, consumer safety groups, and industry to improve pool and spa safety."