May 27, 2011

Durbin Urges Quick Action After CPSC Recalls Hazardous Pool Drain Covers

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today urged families and pool operators to be aware of a recent voluntary recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) of pool and spa drain covers. According to the CPSC, the drain covers from eight different manufacturers were incorrectly rated to handle the flow of water through the cover, which could pose a hazard to swimmers and bathers.

 

“As thousands of local pools across the country get ready to open for Memorial Day weekend, pool owners and parents need to be aware of any danger posed by these drain covers,” said Durbin. “I am glad the CPSC acted today and I urge swift action by pool owners to replace the hazardous covers. Anyone with concerns should not hesitate to contact CPSC’s hotline. With immediate action, we can make a safer and healthier summer possible.”

 

For additional information, consumers should contact the Drain Cover Recall Hotline toll-free at (866) 478-3521 any time, or visit the Drain Cover Recall website. Consumers with drain covers from Waterway Plastics should contact the firm toll-free at (866) 719-6044 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, or visit the manufacturer’s website.

 

Prompted by a Chicago Tribune investigation in February, Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Amy Klochuar (D-MN) met with the Chairman CPSC, Inez Tenenbaum, to discuss existing rules and regulations regarding pool safety, specifically steps taken to prevent entrapments due to pool and spa drains and drain covers.

 

Durbin chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government - the subcommittee which oversees the CPSC’s budget – and has been a leader in strengthening the beleaguered consumer watchdog agency. In 2008, Durbin was instrumental in passing the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act and was responsible for providing the largest funding increase in the history of the agency to help address critical staffing shortfalls, technology upgrades, and laboratory space needs.

 

Related Links