Albuquerque is already grappling with temperatures rising into the high 80s. As May 29 is the last day of school for students in the Albuquerque public schools, parents will soon be faced with bored kids looking to cool off and have fun by going swimming.
Pools are a common amenity here, and a fun way for kids to get exercise, have fun and burn off some of that energy kids possess in spades. But you also want to prevent a deadly pool or spa accident caused by suction entrapment.
What it is, why it’s so dangerous
Suction entrapment occurs when there is a problem or disruption in the circulation system of a pool or spa. Most often, it has to do with broken drain covers in the deepest area of the pool but could also happen with the suction outlets on the sides.
To understand how it becomes so deadly, one only must remember the sensation of a vacuum cleaner hose getting stuck to your hand or body when it’s turned on. The same thing happens with missing and broken drain covers under the water’s surface. The pressure exerted can be as high as 350 lbs. on a drain eight inches wide.
Rescuers can’t break fatal grip
Diving down to try to rescue the child or even adult held tight to the drain by their bathing suits, hair, jewelry, limbs or body can be impossible with that amount of pressure. It’s usually better to search quickly for a shut-off valve that will release the victim to be brought to the surface and revived.
Property owners bear responsibility
Spas and pools fall under the legal definition of attractive nuisances and require special attention to maintenance and access. Older pools built before a certain year often don’t have the safety protocols of newer models and must be visually inspected for dangers and missing parts.
Owners who fail to maintain safe premises could find themselves liable for any accidents, injuries and deaths occurring on their properties.