Despite new safety laws that went into effect last month, many public pool operators remain out of compliance. Last month new federal safety rules required pool operators to replace existing drains with safer drains. The new drains eliminate the real hazard presented by the older drains. Specifically, the older drains posed the risk of generating too much suction causing people especially children to be trapped under water by the suction. In some instances, the suction has been so powerful that it disemboweled young children leading to permanent injuries and death. It is estimated that 80% of community, hotel, fitness and other public or commercial pools have failed to install the new drains. If you are parent with young children, do not allow your children to swim in a pool until you receive confirmation from the pool operator that the drains are in compliance with the new federal safety rules.
