The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, has announced its support of the bipartisan Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act (VGBA). H.R. 4751 seeks to reauthorize and update 2008 legislation requiring every public pool in the United States to install safe drain covers that prevent suction entrapment, in an effort to decrease drownings in pools and spas.

The VGBA will require every public pool in the United States to install safe drain covers that prevent suction entrapment; initiates a grant program for states, municipalities, and Indian Tribes to support water safety education and enforce pool and spa safety laws; and launches Pool Safely, a national drowning prevention public education campaign.

“The VGBA closely aligns with PHTA’s core purpose, which is to promote safe and healthy pool and hot tub environments for people to share enjoyable aquatic experiences. We are very pleased to see its reauthorization reintroduced in the House with bipartisan support,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President and CEO of PHTA. “PHTA is proud to have developed two industry safety standards that establish requirements for suction outlet fitting assemblies and suction entrapment avoidance that are VGBA compliant. This legislation has proven to save lives, and PHTA will continue to advocate for its reauthorization.”

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