Poet Robert Frost wrote that “fences make good neighbors” in the early 1900’s but his simple instruction still has applications to living in urban areas today. Suppose you decide to forego your summer vacation trip this year and instead buy an above-ground pool for your backyard. Your kids love to swim, having taken lessons at […]

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives campaign recently released its 2011 summer snapshot of the number of drowning and near-drowning incidents across the country. Since Memorial Day, there have been 48 drownings and 75 near-drowning incidents in 35 states. Driven by the high number of drownings and near-drownings, […]

Drain entrapment is a little-known swimming pool and hot tub hazard that many parents haven’t heard of that can cause even the strongest swimmer to drown. Drain entrapment can occur when a drain is either uncovered or the cover is brittle, broken, or improperly attached. Without the protection of the drain cover, suction can pull hair, clothing, jewelry, or even a body part into or against the pool drain. If a swimmer’s head is pulled and underwater, they can drown.

On March 11, 2011, the federal government launched a new website designed to keep consumers informed about dangerous products on the market. The website, a consumer products safety database, can be found here: www.saferproducts.gov. This site was created by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) pursuant to congressional mandate. The site allows consumers to submit […]