Giving Thanks for Increased Public Pool Safety Through Suction Shutoffs

Here is an excellent example of how just one person in a position of authority can make a very big difference in the lives of ordinary citizens.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued guidelines eighteen months ago mandating that a new "unblockable" drain cover (usually a dome-shaped piece of equipment that covers the drain and prevents someone from getting trapped) could be used by public pool operators in lieu of an additional suction shutoff device.

One member of the CPSC panel has now reversed his decision. On Wednesday, September 28, the federal commission voted 3-2 to revoke that guidance and to require the shutoff device. Commissioner Bob Adler said he had had a change of heart about what Congress intended when it wrote the law and he now changed his vote and voted in favor of requiring the additional shutoff device.

An article in the Twin Cities' StarTribune provides more details about this decision. [See: Safety law for public pools now requires suction shutoffs]

Remembering Abigail Taylor

If you don't know Abigail Taylor's story, be sure to take a few moments to read about her and about how she lost her life at the age of six when she was trapped on a pool drain at a public pool. The cover on the pool drain was broken or missing. Abbey had been disemboweled by the suction from that pool drain and, unbelievably, her small intestine had been ripped from her body.

Abigail Taylor's family fights tirelessly for increased safety at public pools through the foundation set up in her name and memory, Abbey's Hope.

For Abbey's story see: Abigail Taylor's Legacy Lives on Through Abbey's Hope Foundation

Today I am giving thanks for the action taken by CPSC Commissioner Bob Adler that will now cause suction shutoff devices to be installed where needed at public pools. Excellent work, Mr. Adler!!

Sources embedded in the article