The National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF) recently sent a letter endorsing the Commission's implementation of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.
“NSPF believes the Commission has taken a sound technical position on this topic and it is correct in the assertion that vacuum release systems do not protect against most forms of entrapment to the degree an unblockable drain.” - NSPF
Because some special interest groups continue to generate press to the contrary, I thought it was important to circulate feedback from NSPF, a group with a long history of promoting pool safety.
The full text of the letter is copied below or you can enlarge the picture to see the original.
Click here for my statement on the Implementation of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
August 11, 2009
The Honorable Anne Northup
Commissioner
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814
Dear Commissioner Northup,
The National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF) has read and supports your position statement on unblockable drain definition relative to the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act. NSPF believes the Commission has taken a sound technical position on this topic and it is correct in the assertion that vacuum release systems do not protect against most forms of entrapment to the degree an unblockable drain. In addition, we applaud the CPSC’s efforts to fulfill the Act’s educational requirement since prevention of drowning and entrapment is paramount!
We understand that the Commission has been challenged by petition, letters and public media efforts to influence the Commission to change its ruling. We urge you to maintain your position.
NSPF is a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and safety of those who use aquatic facilities. NSPF has given over 3.7 million dollars in grants since 2003 to prevent drowning, illness, injury and entrapment and to demonstrate the health benefits of aquatic activity. The Foundation works towards its mission to encourage healthier living through aquatic education and research with its collection of educational materials training over 240,000 professionals since 1982.
It is important that we stand united to implement solutions that will work rather than those that may appear positive - yet have limited value. We applaud your efforts and admire your sound reasoning.
Please let us know if we can provide any assistance in this matter.
Respectfully,
Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Tracynda Davis, M.P.H.
Director of Environmental Health
cc: I. Tenenbaum, CPSC; T. Moore, CPSC; N. Nord, CPSC; D. Lamborn, US House of Representatives
4775 Granby Circle • Colorado Springs, CO 80919-3131 719.540.9119 • 719.540.2787 (FAX) • www.nspf.org
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