U. S. Rep. Michael Burgess was pleased that his amendment to the H.R. 1721, The Pool and Spa Safety Act, was included during the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection mark-up on Capitol Hill today. The subcommittee was considering a series of bills aimed to enhance public safety and awareness on consumer products.

In June of 2004, there was a tragic incident at an ornamental pool in Fort Worth, Texas, where three children and one adult drowned at the Fort Worth Water Gardens: Myron Dukes, 39; his daughter, Lauren, 8; his son, Christopher, 13; and family friend Juanitrice Deadmon, 11. One child accidentally fell into the ornamental pool, and the other three jumped in trying to save the child. Tragically, the water was unusually deep due to a recirculating pump malfunction and heavy rains.

“My amendment was inspired by a tragic accident that occurred, and I hope that through this amendment, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will be able to educate cities on the unseen dangers hidden in ornamental pools,” said Congressman Michael Burgess.

The Burgess amendment ensures a wider public education campaign to alert consumers to the safety hazards associated with ill-maintained ornamental pools. The bill, which requires the use of proper, anti-entrapment drain covers and drainage systems, establishes a swimming pool safety grant program to be administered by the CPSC. This legislation also encourages states to strengthen pool and spa safety laws and increase public education and outreach to consumers.

“These amendments will strengthen existing laws by providing preventive measures, increasing penalties and greater public information and outreach that will assist parents and caregivers with products and recreational devices that can sometimes lead to tragic accidents or death,” stated Subcommittee Chairman Bobby L. Rush of Illinois in an official press release.

While 36 states do have pool safety programs, not all of these states have an ornamental pool safety programs. Therefore, it is unlikely that they educate their constituency on the dangers that ornamental pools can present.

“Ornamental pools often greatly enhance many communities, including the pools around the Capitol, but they can also pose a great threat to communities if the owners and operators are not educated on their danger,” said Congressman Burgess. “Awareness and education can save lives, and it is my hope that my amendment to this bill will do just that.”