CPSC, Safe Kids USA and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance Announce Pool and
Spa Kids Safety Education Effort
Safe Kids USA
July 24, 2010

HOUSTON – Halfway through the summer swimming season, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has seen news reports of more than 210 child drowning and non-fatal submersion incidents in pools and spas around the country since Memorial Day Weekend. In an effort to reduce these preventable incidents, CPSC and partners Safe Kids USA and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) joined forces today to introduce a new kids safety education program. The centerpieces of the program are a multi-part educational video and an online activity, which are part of CPSC’s national Pool Safely campaign.

“Just one incident is one too many,” said Inez M. Tenenbaum, Chairman of the CPSC. “These statistics are a wake up call and a reminder that these tragic incidents are preventable. Our kid’s safety program is designed to teach parents and children simple water safety steps so that everyone will Pool Safely this summer. ”

The educational video highlights individual experiences and uses seven Pool Safely simple steps to encourage safe and responsible behavior in and around pools and spas. It is introduced by actress Ming-Na, the voice of Mulan in Disney animated films and star of the NBC drama “ER”. The video series is available to view at www.youtube.com/poolsafely and on the websites of Safe Kids (www.safekids.org) and the NDPA (www.ndpa.org).     Click Here For Article

Recognizing April 2008 as "Swimming Pool Safety Month"
The Florida Senate
April 1, 2008

A resolution recognizing April 2008 as "Swimming Pool 3 Safety Month."
WHEREAS, the State of Florida has more than one million swimming pools, over 37,000 of which are public facilities regulated by the Department of Health, and
WHEREAS, residential and commercial swimming pools and spas add to the enjoyment, quality of life, and health of the state's residents and visitors, and
WHEREAS, swimming pools and spas are recreational facilities promoting the social gathering of families and friends in a large percentage of Florida residences, and
WHEREAS, Florida hotels and condominiums have thousands of swimming pools, spas, and wading pools used by even more visitors and guests, and
WHEREAS, the education of building code and health department officials, swimming pool designers and contractors, and pool owners is paramount to ensuring pool safety, and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act was
recently signed into law by the President of the United States, providing mandatory safety measures for public pool facilities, incentive programs concerning residential pools, and overall outreach and education on swimming pool safety, and   Click Here For Article


President Bush Signs Into Law The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007
Safe Kids USA 

Three years of pool safety advocacy pays off for Safe Kids, Baker family in new, life-saving law. In a move that Safe Kids USA believes will save the lives of thousands of children, President Bush today signed The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007. The legislation provides incentives for states to adopt comprehensive pool safety laws that will protect children from life-threatening injuries and horrible deaths from dangerous pool & spa drains.

The law is named for the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III, who joined Graeme's mother, Nancy Baker, and Safe Kids USA in a three-year advocacy campaign for the legislation. In 2002 at the age of 7, Graeme Baker died in a spa after the powerful suction of a drain entrapped her under water.

“While the loss of our beloved Graeme will be with us always, our hearts have been lifted by the passage of this common-sense piece of legislation that will save lives,” James Baker said. “We are grateful to President Bush and the members of Congress who are making sure other children are protected from the kind of accident that took Graeme from us.”

Nancy Baker agreed. "This legislation helps give meaning to the tragic circumstances that took her life and the lives of many other children,” Baker said. “It is a tribute to these children and their grieving families that this bill will prevent injuries and death as a result of drowning. Graeme would be honored that it is in her name."    Click Here For Article