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Press ReleaseSafe Kids USA Helps Kick-Off Pool Safely CampaignPublic Safety Campaign Takes On A Leading Cause of Preventable Childhood Death and InjuryMay 24, 2010 FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – the nation’s consumer safety agency – has launched the Pool Safely campaign, a national public education effort to reduce child drownings and non-fatal submersions, and entrapments in pools and spas. As a key supporter of the Virginia Graeme Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act) passed by Congress and signed into law in 2007, Safe Kids USA, a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, encourages everyone to Pool Safely this summer by creating a personal system of safety that consists of adding as many safety steps as possible in and around pools and spas. “With thousands of pool and spa related injuries and hundreds of deaths each year, the Pool Safely campaign is a responsible reminder of how simple steps can save lives,” said Mitch Stoller, President and CEO of Safe Kids. “Just adding an extra water safety step in and around pools and spas can make all the difference. Safe Kids is proud to be a campaign safety partner to help spread this important message.” At a press conference on May 24th at the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Inez Tenenbaum, Chairman of the CPSC, was joined by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the chief House sponsor of the Act; Nancy Baker, the mother of Virginia Graeme for whom the Act is named; and Olympic Swimmers Jason Lezak and Janet Evans, to announce the Pool Safely campaign and discuss the call-to-action for the public and start of a national conversation about pool and spa safety. The greatest water safety assurance comes from adopting and practicing as many water safety measures as possible, including: staying close, being alert, and watching children in and around the pool; learning and practicing water safety skills (know how to swim and perform CPR); and having the appropriate equipment (compliant safety drain covers, alarms, fences and other barriers and sensors). Thecampaign will highlight the need to implement a “personal system of safety” consisting of as many proven water safety steps as possible. “Our Pool Safely campaign will let consumers, industry, state and local officials, and other stakeholders know that we all have a role to play in keeping children safe from drowning and entrapment incidents,” said Inez Tenenbaum, Chairman of CPSC. “We can make all pools and spas in the U.S. safe for children and families.” The campaign is a key part of the CPSC’s efforts to carry out the requirements of Section 1407 of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act). The legislation signed into law in 2007, mandates new requirements for pool and spa safety, including a national public education campaign designed to raise public awareness, promote industry compliance, and improve safety at pools and spas. Safe Kids was proud to work on the multi-year advocacy effort that lead to the passage of this landmark law, which changes the way that residential and public pools and spas are constructed and maintained in this country. The campaign will continue throughout the year with multiple press events, announcements and initiatives. For more information and to stay updated with the campaign, visit www.poolsafely.gov. You can also follow the campaign on Twitter @poolsafely. Media ContactKatherine Collins May 24, 2010
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