The causes of drowning in swimming pools may vary and often, it is not easy to tell exactly what could have happened to a victim while in the water. It has widely been publicized that drowning is a danger in our pools, but there seems to be little said about deaths and injuries being caused by drains. The truth is that pool drains can cause death through drowning and injury. When practicing pool safety Florida and Georgia, have in mind that pool drain can lead to death.
The power of drain suction
Water rushing out of drains tends to create a suction. That suction is powerful and it can ensnare swimmers particularly small children resulting in debilitating injuries as well as death. Drain in pools may appear harmless, however, parents need to know how they cause harm.
When the drain cover breaks or is removed by people unaware of the dangers of an open drain, it could make someone to be stuck to it. It happens the same way a vacuum can stick to the palm of a hand – only this time, the pressure is too big. The suction entrapment can hold a swimmer in the grasp of the drain until they drown, or escape this time with seriously injured.
Types of drain suction entrapments
There are different types of drain entrapments as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) points out. Body entrapment involves section of the torso being entrapped where the victim may drown. Limb entrapment involves the arm or leg being pulled into the drain pipe. Hair entanglement occur when hair is pulled by the suction and wrapped around the drain cover grate. Mechanical entrapments involve things like jewelry or swimmer’s clothing being caught in grate or drain. Evisceration is where the buttocks of a victim get in contact with the suction outlet causing disembowelment.
What to do to prevent drain suction entrapments
Pool owners should regularly check the drain covers to find out if they are broken or have been removed. Every morning, as a pool owner or parent, go to the pool and inspect it before anyone gets inside to swim. Call in a pool service professional to repair the drain cover if it is faulty or damaged.
As one way of ensuring pool safety Florida and Georgia, you want to make sure that you have the pool systems working properly including the drains. In case of any defects or damages that could pose risks to the swimmers, ensure they are remedied.