Pool safety tips from Western Alliance Code Coalition

Pool safety tips from Western Alliance Code Coalition

With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, many consumers are preparing to purchase a pool or open their existing pool for the season. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that there are about 280 drowning deaths of children younger than five each year in swimming pools and an estimated 2,100 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for pool submersion injuries in 2005 - mostly in residential pools. Residential pools include in ground, above ground or the temporary inflatable type.

Nationally, drowning is a leading cause of death to children under five. It is considered a "silent killer" as parents may think that if their child falls in the water they will hear lots of splashing and screaming and be able to come to their rescue. The reality is that they slip underwater silently and can't be heard when drowning. It takes about two to five minutes for a submerged youngster to die or suffer severe brain injury.

The key to preventing these tragedies is to have layers of protection, members of the Western Alliance Code Coalition wrote. In addition to closely supervising your child and being prepared in case of an emergency, New York state has passed laws mandating barriers around pools to prevent access. The installation of pool alarms are required for newly installed pools. These regulations apply to all outdoor pools and spas having the capability of retaining 24 or more inches of water. Also included are the inexpensive inflatable/temporary pools that can cost under $200. In 2005 the CPSC reported 17 drowning deaths involving inflatable pools. This is up from nine in 2004. Many consumers believe these inflatable pools, which can purchased through many retail stores, are exempt from safety regulations.

Another pool hazard is the electrical supply required for the filtration system. The National Electric Code has developed specifications for distribution to pools and exterior outlets to minimize the risk of shock or electrocution.

Maintaining the existing pool and pool area is equally important as conforming with new installations. Are gates still self-latching and self-closing? Are the approved barrier enclosure heights at least 46" (prior to January 2003) or 48" if installed after that date? In addition the New York State Property Maintenance Code states, "Swimming pools and pool enclosures shall be maintained in a safe, clean, sanitary condition, and in good repair."

To assist the public with minimizing injuries through adherence to these regulations, local jurisdictions require permits prior to installation. These layers of laws and regulations are often viewed as "Bureaucratic Controls."

Contact the local Building Department with questions. Village of Brockport, 637-5300 ext. 14; Village of Hilton, 392-4144; Village of Spencerport, 352-4771; Town of Clarendon, 638-6371 ext. 14; Town of Clarkson, 637-1145; Town of Hamlin, 964-8181; Town of Ogden, 352-2145; Town of Parma, 392-9449 and Town of Sweden, 637-8684.

The Western Alliance Code Coalition is made up of code enforcement officials from the local municipalities.