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Pool & Spa Safety Act
Section 1404
Public Comment Period


On December 19, 2007, the President signed into law the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (pdf), named after the daughter of Nancy Baker and the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker. Graeme Baker died in a tragic incident in June 2002 after the suction from a spa drain entrapped her under the water. This Act was first introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL) and was supported by the Baker family and Safe Kids Worldwide.

The new law is aimed at reducing the 260 pool and spa drownings each year involving children younger than 5 and suction entrapment deaths and injuries, by making pools and spas safer, securing the environment around them, and educating consumers and industry on pool safety.

The Act specifies that by December 19, 2008, swimming pool and spa drain covers available for purchase in the U.S. MUST meet specific requirements. Additionally, public swimming pools, wading pools, spas and hot tubs MUST meet requirements for installation of compliant drain covers. In certain instances, public pools and spas MUST have additional devices or systems designed to prevent suction entrapment.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff has prepared a guidance document (pdf) that interprets the technical requirements of Sec. 1404 of the Act. CPSC staff is requesting comments on this draft document. All comments must be received by March 28, 2008.

Please mark your comments as “Pool & Spa Safety Act” and send them to the Office of the Secretary at cpsc-os@cpsc.gov or if you are unable to submit comments by e-mail, you may submit written comments to:

Office of the Secretary
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East West Highway
Suite 502
Bethesda, MD 20814-4408

Comments must be received by the date noted above. Please clearly identify the specific subject your comments address in the caption or title. CPSC staff will assess comments that are received and take account of such comments when finalizing the guidance. Please note that you will not receive a direct response to your comments.


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