Federal Consumer Group, Madigan Warn of Pool Drain Risks

Could you or your child be at risk of drowning from being caught in the strong suction force of a drain cover at a local pool or in a spa's hot tub?

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned of the danger recently, saying millions of recalled pool drain covers could entrap swimmers and cause drowning fatalities.

Last week, the federal consumer agency issued a recall for 1 million of the 2008 and later pool and spa drain covers, saying they were faulty and pose a similar drowning risk as the earlier models.

Many of the faulty drain covers were originally installed as part of a sweeping 2007 federal measure called the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act, which was designed to prevent drowning deaths after a 7-year-old girl became trapped underwater by the strong suction of a hot tub drain and drowned in 2002. The law requires pool operators, such as park districts, to install types of pool drain covers prevent dangerous suction power that can cause swimmers to become stuck

View photos and descriptions of the faulty pool drain covers here.

The recall news — and Madigan's warning to those who operate pools across Illinois — comes as the opened on Saturday and is set to open the pool on June 4.

But park district officials say the local pools aren't affected by the recall.

In fact, they've spent "a load of time and a great deal of stress" on staying in compliance with federal and state regulations, said Bill Hamilton, the district's assistant superintendent of revenue facilities.

What's more, Hamilton said, the district opted for different drain cover manufacturer than the ones currently on recall by the CPCS.

Staff members at both pools have been trained to answer questions about potential safety issues.

Over at , spokeswoman Kay Foran said the school officials have "double and triple checked" with contractors and construction managers for both pools and their facilities pass muster.