Think Safety First When Planning Pool Fun

Many families are seeking relief from the heat in their backyard pool or the local public pool, but Homewood and Chicago Heights safety experts urge you to think about safety first in your summer fun pursuits.

First, if you're headed to the 's pools this week, rest assured that and are in full compliance with all state and federal safety codes, said Irwin Center Aquatics Director Erik Enslen.

"We had an inspector from the state of Illinois out here two weeks ago, and we're in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act," Enslen said. 

The Virginia Graeme Baker Act, enacted in 2007, memorializes a 7-year-old child who drowned in 2002 after being trapped by the powerful suction from a hot tub drain. The law mandates that park districts and other facilities with pools must install certain types of pool drain safety covers designed to prevent dangerous suction power that can cause people to get stuck.

While families frolic at the s three pools under the watchful eyes of 12 lifeguards, they should remember there's no substitute for parental vigilance, Enslen said. 

"Lifeguards are not babysitters," he said bluntly. "The number one concern is parents—you've got to watch your kids. Your 3-year-old cannot roam and run; it's really not a safe environment for that.

"I've been here nine years, and we've never had an incident," Enslen said. "Back in the 1990s, you could rent boats out at Dolphin Lake, and some kids drowned. We don't rent boats there anymore. It's weed-infested anyway."

'Kiddie Pools', Buckets Can Pose Hazards

Even if parents have an inch of water in a plastic in their back yard "kiddie pool," they should not be lulled into a false sense of security, said Chicago Heights Fire Chief Tom Martello. 

"Never leave your child unattended in the pool," he said. "You remember you need to go close a door? Remove your child from the pool, take them with you. It doesn't take much to obstruct an airway.

"If they go to a grandparent’s house, there's a decorative pool there, be careful," he said. "A child can drown in a bucket of water. Within four to six minutes, you can see brain damage."

Recently, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan warned that some pool drain covers are under recall and could put swimmers in danger. (See photos and descriptions of the faulty pool drain covers here.) She advised that concerned parents should ask pool operators questions about the pool equipment, including: Does the pool comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act? Is the pool equipped with one of the recalled drain covers?

This article includes research and reporting from Niles Patch Editor Pam DeFiglio.