News and Press Releases

NSF International Offers Consumers Free Pool Safety Tips

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2009

CONTACT: Greta Houlahan
Phone: 734-913-5723
Email: houlahan@nsf.org

NSF International Offers Consumers Free Pool Safety Tips

Consumers Should Consider Certified Drain Covers to Prevent Injury

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Swimming is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy, but proper pool safety is essential. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBPSSA), which took effect in December 2008, now requires that new anti-entrapment devices be installed.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 300 children under the age of 5 drown in pools/spas each year and an additional 5,000-6,000 children are severely injured. Many of these accidents are due to broken or improperly installed drain covers. The VGBPSSA requires installation of new, stronger drain covers, which are designed to resist UV degradation and prevent body parts or hair from becoming trapped in the drain due to suction.

To help reduce the potential for accidents in and around the pool, NSF International, a public health and safety organization, is offering free pool safety tips on its Web site. NSF’s recreational water safety experts have developed the following tips to help families create a safer swimming environment:

Make sure properly-sized drain covers are installed. Don't allow anyone to play with or remove a drain cover. Consider upgrading to new certified drain covers that meet the requirements of the VGBPSSA. Click here to view NSF Certified drain covers.
There is no substitute for adult supervision – a responsible adult should be present at the pool side at all times, especially when non-swimmers or small children are present.
Establish and enforce rules for pool use. Make sure kids do not run or play games near the pool and that any wheeled toys, such as tricycles, are kept away from the pool area.
Be sure to drain any standing water from the surface of the pool cover, as small children can drown in even the smallest amount of water. Always remove the cover completely before allowing anyone to swim. This will help prevent swimmers from getting trapped underneath the cover.
Make sure your pool area is surrounded by a fence that complies with local building codes. Gates leading to the pool area should have a self-closing and self-latching mechanism to prevent unauthorized entry.
Another option to help prevent unauthorized access to your pool would be a certified barrier or pool alarm. In addition to above-ground, floating and submerged alarms, there are even wristband alarms available that can be placed on small children to help alert parents if a child should accidentally fall into the water. Click here to view NSF Certified pool alarms.

For additional information on a wide array of public health and safety issues, consumers can visit NSF’s Web site or contact NSF’s Consumer Affairs Office at 1-877-867-3435 or info@nsf.org. A pool safety public service announcement and video are also available.

Background on NSF’s Recreational Water Program: Since NSF’s Recreational Water Program was developed in 1960, NSF International has been dedicated to protecting the public and educating consumers on pool/spa safety and maintenance issues. A complete list of pool and spa products that have been tested and certified by NSF is available on NSF’s Web site.

About NSF International: NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, helps protect you by certifying products and writing standards for food, water and consumer goods (www.nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting public health and safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment. Additional services include safety audits for the food and water industries, management systems registrations delivered through NSF International Strategic Registrations, organic certification provided by Quality Assurance International and education through the NSF Center for Public Health Education.