Why are many pools closed across the U.S.

Once again the government is nanny-stating us to death because of 1 persons negligence.

Many Garrison Pools will close if not in compliance with new Legislation

Eustis pools closed due to new law.
Stewart, Hunter pools close

Under the law, all public pools and spas must have compliant drain covers installed and a second anti-entrapment system installed when there is only a single main drain. Congress gave all affected pool and spa operators one year to comply with this act. Public pools and spas that operate year-round were expected to be in compliance by Dec. 19, 2008. Seasonal public pools and spas, currently closed, must be in compliance with the law on the day they reopen this year.

The law is named for the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III. Baker joined Graeme's mother, Nancy Baker, and Safe Kids USA in a three-year advocacy campaign for the legislation. In 2002, at the age of 7, Graeme Baker died in a spa after the powerful suction of a drain entrapped her under water.

I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. Even though Bush signed off on it, it was started with Secretary of State James A. Baker III because his granddaughter died. Why was her mother, Nancy Baker, not paying closer attention? So now we all have to pay! I really find this a double whammy as not only is this a required expectation of military life, on an already stretched budget the military and all other non-backyard pools are being required to make this costly replacement/repair. The second part is that pools are not just recreational. Pools are also used for physical therapy for people who need the exercise but can not bear the weight.

For more information about the Pool and Spa Safety Act, how to comply, and which companies have been certified to manufacturer drain covers and safety vacuum release systems, please log on to: www.cpsc.gov/whatsnew.html#pool