What a hullabaloo a little bill can make.
Sponsored by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the tentatively titled Graeme Baker/Preston de Ibern Memorial Pool & Spa Safety Act offers federal grants to states that adopt pool safety-related building requirements. As of press time, the amount of money each state would receive had not been determined.
In other words, this act would not mandate pool safety; it simply offers financial incentives for states that do. The proposed law protects against two dangers: toddlers having unrestricted access to swimming pools, and the threat of entrapment.
Wasserman Schultz’s researchers selected the specifications outlined in the legislation after extensive feedback from organizations such as Safe Kids Worldwide in Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The bill, which is still in the development stage, will be presented to Congress in May, simultaneously with National Safe Kids Week. It will face challenges, to be sure. The legislation will be sent to a committee for review and testimony may or may not be heard. The congresswoman says it can take anywhere from one to three years for a consumer or child safety bill to become law.
To voice your support or concern for this federal pool and spa safety act, contact the office of your local U.S. representative. Visit www.house.gov for more information.
• VGB Resource Center
Find additional articles and more information on the VGB Pool and Spa Safety Act on our online resource center.
