If you are the parent of school-age children, the last fleeting days of summer are coming quickly to a close. That makes families often try to have one final summer fling and take a weekend holiday.
But if your travels take you places where there are pools and spas, you must be extra careful to keep the kids safe.
The risks they face in the water
Everyone knows that nonswimmers of all ages should be supervised at all times around water. But few realize that even shallow spas can cause extreme injury and death if bathers slip beneath the surface and get stuck to an open drain cover.
This deadly phenomenon is known as suction entrapment, and it occurs when a swimmer’s limbs, torso, hair, bathing suit or jewelry get caught up in the water filtration system of the pool or spa.
The consequences can be devastating
Even when suction entrapment doesn’t kill its victims, it often leaves them in permanently disabled conditions. Brain damage from lack of oxygen is common in survivors, and some children have experienced evisceration from sitting or lying on open pool drains.
What can be done?
All pools should be regularly inspected to ensure that the components are safe and working properly. Both installing a safety vacuum release system (SVRS) and anti-entrapment drain covers that meet or exceed ANSI/APSP-16 standards can prevent these senseless tragedies from happening. When blockages are detected, the first safety feature releases suction and the latter helps prevent these equipment failures.
If you or a family member is injured in a pool or spa accident, you may be able to pursue civil damages, including financial compensation.