Danger Under the Water     

   We don't mean sharks, which take few lives.

   This week our pool is being cleaned, and old tiles replaced. The pool had to be drained for this work.

New model cover

   Our workman handed me the old sump cover, a bit
worse for wear, suggesting I buy a new one. At the
pool-supply store, I heard the story of one of the most
horrific swimming pool accidents.

   In June 2002, Virginia Graeme Baker, age 7, granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker III, and her siblings went to a party held at a swimming pool and hot tub area. Graeme (pronounced Graham), had learned to swim at 3, and belonged to a swim and diving team. A "fish" in the water. 

Nancy and Graeme

   Soon after arriving, Graeme jumped into the hot tub area. Not long after, an older sister told their mother Nancy that Graeme was in trouble. 

   Nancy and then two men could not free the girl from suction until they broke the sump cover. 

   President Bush signed the VGB Pool & Spa Safety Act in 2007. That same year, there were 74 such entrapments, causing nine deaths and 63 injuries. 

   Ages 5-9 were most common. Body parts, hair, clothing and other items can lead to such tragedies. 

   Upon draining my pool, I was required to install a redesigned sump cover, though I didn't know it. Public sites had to comply beginning Dec. 19, 2008, including the addition of a second sump, at least one meter apart from the other. 

   Sumps or no, pool tragedies occur too often. Job 1 is to keep youngsters and water separated, and watch them like a hawk - or shark - when they're in it. That includes bath tubs.  

       Jimmy