The recent scare involving R&B singer Usher’s five-year-old son has brought public attention to the potential dangers of swimming pool drains. When trying to retrieve a toy from the drain, the child became stuck. The boy was pulled out of the water and CPR was performed. The good news is that he’s fine. But that’s not always the case for others.
Tips for Maintaining a Swimming Pool Drain
The best thing a pool and/or property owner can do is have the drain inspected every season. It’s also important to remember that the average lifespan of a drain cover is just five years. If it needs replacing, pool owners should enlist the services of a professional to do so.
Replacement is necessary when the cover starts to deteriorate or becomes brittle. It should also be replaced if it’s loose. Of course, if there is no longer a cover over the drain, the pool owner should have one installed before anybody uses the pool. The safest type of cover to have is one that is dome-shaped instead of flat. Those are generally designed with anti-entrapment features.
Another tip is to invest in a safety system that will shut down if a person becomes trapped in the drain pump. The suction can pull someone’s clothing, hair or body parts. If the pump stops, there is a better chance of getting free.
Other Pool Safety Tips
The circumstances surrounding the incident with Usher’s son are common, where children see a toy in the pool and attempt to retrieve it. It’s important to keep toys out of the pool. Toys shouldn’t be kept around the pool either, so as to avoid one being dropped in.
Children with long hair should wear a swimming cap or pull it up and secure it tightly so it’s not loose. Make sure there aren’t any loose strings that could get caught. And teach children to stay away from drains or any other openings in the pool.
In the event of an accident related to a pool owner’s negligence, victims or their families can pursue legal action via a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Call Gacovino, Lake & Associates for help: 800-246-4878.
