(Washington, DC) -- Legislation that seeks to end hundreds of preventable childhood deaths and injuries each year passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee today. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, H.R. 1721, would provide money to states that pass swimming pool safety legislation to help prevent childhood drowning, the second leading cause of accidental death among children ages one to fourteen years old.
"Enacting national comprehensive pool and spa safety legislation has been one of my top priorities since my days as a state legislator," said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. "335 children died in the United States in 2004 and basic pool safety legislation would have dramatically reduced those childhood fatalities."
“This is a strong bill that will help improve product safety standards and consumer education efforts,” said Rep. John D. Dingell, Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. “Debbie has demonstrated tremendous leadership in crafting this legislation. As a result of her efforts, American children will be safer.”
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act uses as a model existing Florida pool safety legislation, the "Preston de Ibern/McKenzie Merriam Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act," that U.S. Rep. Wasserman Schultz introduced and passed in 2000 while serving as a Representative in the Florida State Legislature.
“The painful knowledge that these tragedies are entirely preventable makes these tragic deaths even more devastating,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “We must implement national standards so that drowning accidents that allowed Graeme, and hundreds of children like her, to be lost in such nightmare scenarios, cease.”
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is intended to increase the safety of swimming pools and spas by encouraging states to pass laws that incorporate layers of protection in order to help prevent drowning, drain entrapment and hair entanglement. The legislation would provide grants to states which require all swimming pools and spas to have the following layers of protection:
- Installation of physical barriers (such as a fence) around a pool to prevent children's unattended access.
- Mandates pools and spas to be equipped with a suction outlet drain cover which prevents hair and body entanglement.
- Requires the installation of a safety vacuum release system, or similar device, shutting off a pump if it detects a blockage.
- Public awareness campaign regarding the importance of active supervision of children at or near a pool or spa.
The legislation will now move to a vote in the full House of Representatives where it is expected to pass. Companion legislation in the Senate, introduced by Senator Mark Pryor (AR) has passed out of committee and is awaiting a vote of the full Senate.
