The tone of this post will be a change of pace from our previous posts. This topic, though ominous, is an important one to discuss because awareness of it can literally save a life. There is a hidden danger lurking at the bottom of many swimming pools and spas, one that has the power to grab ahold of a swimmer and not let go. The danger of entrapment, though rare, is one every pool owner and operator should take very seriously. | Video produced by The ZAC Foundation.` |
An entrapment occurs when a person or an object attached to a person is sucked onto a swimming pool or spa drain and becomes stuck by the drains force. A force that can exceed 300 pounds of pressure, easily trapping the swimmer underwater until they are able to escape or they drown. Adults are more likely to have the strength to escape entrapment, so this problem mainly affects children.
One of those children was seven-year-old girl Virginia Graeme Baker. Virginia was a member of the community swim and diving team, and was swimming unassisted since the age of three. The skills and knowledge Virginia had of swimming and water safety created a sense of comfort for her and the adults enjoying the backyard festivities. Another child who had witnessed Virginia go under the water in the spa and not return to the surface brought this to the attention of Virginia's mother, Nancy. Nancy desperately tried to pull her child to the surface but could not. Two gentlemen who were there were able to pull Virginia out, breaking the drain she was stuck to in the process. Virginia could not be revived, and the cause of death was drowning by entrapment.
This incredibly sad loss of life is only one of several caused by entrapment. Many more have been lucky enough to escape with minor to major injuries. After the death of her child, Nancy Baker fought to have laws to protect swimmers from the hazards of entrapment. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act) became the law governing suction entrapment in swimming pools and spas. While there are still many pools and spas that are noncompliant with the VGB Act, pools and spas built after December 2008 were legally required to take various steps to prevent suction entrapment.
The most common cause of entrapment revolves around the drains at the bottom of the pool and spa. Drain covers must be designed in a manner that prevents entrapment and entanglement. Antivortex drain covers can be found with universal adapters and kits to retrofit onto almost any existing swimming pool and spa drain. If you’re unsure about the drain covers of your pool, or the pools you visit, it’s important to keep all swimmers away from the drain until it can be replaced. Broken or cracked drain covers should be replaced immediately and swimmers should not use a pool or spa with damaged drain covers. Have fun, enjoy the water, but always be safe.
One of those children was seven-year-old girl Virginia Graeme Baker. Virginia was a member of the community swim and diving team, and was swimming unassisted since the age of three. The skills and knowledge Virginia had of swimming and water safety created a sense of comfort for her and the adults enjoying the backyard festivities. Another child who had witnessed Virginia go under the water in the spa and not return to the surface brought this to the attention of Virginia's mother, Nancy. Nancy desperately tried to pull her child to the surface but could not. Two gentlemen who were there were able to pull Virginia out, breaking the drain she was stuck to in the process. Virginia could not be revived, and the cause of death was drowning by entrapment.
This incredibly sad loss of life is only one of several caused by entrapment. Many more have been lucky enough to escape with minor to major injuries. After the death of her child, Nancy Baker fought to have laws to protect swimmers from the hazards of entrapment. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act) became the law governing suction entrapment in swimming pools and spas. While there are still many pools and spas that are noncompliant with the VGB Act, pools and spas built after December 2008 were legally required to take various steps to prevent suction entrapment.
The most common cause of entrapment revolves around the drains at the bottom of the pool and spa. Drain covers must be designed in a manner that prevents entrapment and entanglement. Antivortex drain covers can be found with universal adapters and kits to retrofit onto almost any existing swimming pool and spa drain. If you’re unsure about the drain covers of your pool, or the pools you visit, it’s important to keep all swimmers away from the drain until it can be replaced. Broken or cracked drain covers should be replaced immediately and swimmers should not use a pool or spa with damaged drain covers. Have fun, enjoy the water, but always be safe.