Shallow wading pools are a summertime staple. But in light of recent tragedies in Minnesota and across the nation, changes need to be made to protect children. Below are changes you can start making today to prevent injury in your wading pool:
1) Install an Anti-Entrapment Drain Cover… Today
Standard drain covers are designed to protect pumps, not swimmers. Use a safety drain cover.
2) Install a Vacuum Release System as a Backup
Vacuum release systems sense blockages, and either cut flow, or shut off the pump altogether.
3) Install Dual Main Drains before January 2008
It’s responsible, it’s safe, and it’s the law. Dual drains, when properly installed, reduce entrapment,
disembowelment and evisceration. They reduce hold down forces that cause drowning.
Whatever you choose to do, any action will make your wading pool safer. Make sure that any work done to your pool is done to manufacturer standards, State & Federal laws, and completed by a professional pool service.
Brian Foster is a Water Safety Consultant working in the Twin Cities Metro, and an advisor on the new Abigail Taylor Pool Safety Act, and the Federal ‘Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.’ Brian can be contacted at brian@mnpoolsafety.org, or (763) 438-4890.
