Swimming Season Opens with CPSC Recall of Unsafe Pool and Spa Drain Covers

In a recent announcement, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled around 1 million swimming pool and in-ground spa drain covers due to an entrapment hazard caused by the incorrect rating of drain covers to handle the flow of water.

Consequently, swimmers, bathers, and especially young children can suffer injury or even drown.

The eight manufacturers responsible for these unsafe drain covers are:

1. Aqua Star Pool Products Inc. of California
2. A&A Manufacturing of Arizona
3. Pentair Water Pool and Spa of North Carolina
4. Color Match Pool Fittings of Arizona
5. Hayward Pool Products of New Jersey
6. Custom Molded Products of Georgia
7. Waterway Plastics of California
8. Rising Dragon USA of Tennessee

The affected drain covers were sold from December 2008 through April 2011, except for Pentair Water Pool and Spa covers, which were June 2009 through April 2011. Owners of any of these defective products in Nevada should contact the manufacturer to request a replacement or retrofit as soon as possible. For additional information, you may call the CPSC Drain Cover Recall Hotline at 866-478-3521.

United States Swimming Pool Drowning Statistics:

The tragic truth is that every year thousands of lives are lost in the United States due to drowning. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3,500 people die each year from unintentional drowning. Of these fatalities, about 10 percent occur in swimming pools. Moreover, an estimated 352 nonfatal pool submersion injuries require hospitalization and treatment in the United States annually.

It is important to make sure that your pool or spa meets all safety regulations for your state, as well as having proper supervision of children around water sources. It is also recommended that pool owners obtain an appropriate life-saving device such as a rescue tube, throw rope, or personal flotation device. In addition, pool owners should frequently inspect their swimming area for potential hazards and ensure that children are always properly supervised.

This announcement serves as an important reminder to all pool or spa owners of the potential dangers associated with these products and of the need to take steps to protect your family and guests from harm. We urge you to be aware of the CPSC recall and to act quickly if you discover that your pool or spa drain cover is affected.

What You Should Do if You Have Suffered a Swimming Pool Injury:

If you or a family member has suffered a swimming pool injury due to an unsafe drain cover, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.

An attorney can review your case and determine the best course of action for recovering any financial losses that you may have incurred because of the defective product.

Additionally, your lawyer can help you file a claim with the manufacturer or other responsible party to seek compensation for any medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover both economic (financial) and non-economic (emotional) damages from those responsible for your injury.

With the benefit of school being out, the summer is a great opportunity to gather with family and friends, have barbecues, and get some time away from the Nevada heat by jumping in the pool. Unfortunately, all it takes is one defective pool product or one negligent pool owner to ruin the summer fun.

Safety and Swimming Pools

Safety should always come first when it comes to swimming pools, spas and other water sources. The CPSC’s recall highlights the importance of staying up-to-date on product recalls, conducting regular inspections of pool and spa drain covers, and practicing safe swimming and water sports.

If you or a loved one has suffered a swimming pool injury as the result of negligence or an unsafe

product, the skilled Las Vegas swimming pool accident attorneys at Shook & Stone can help you pursue compensation for your losses. To learn more about your legal rights, please call us today for a free consultation at 702-570-0000.