The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced an important campaign, “Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives,” to highlight pool safety and encourage aquatic facilities to make drowning prevention a priority.

According to the CPSC, since Memorial Day, there have been 48 drownings and 75 near-drowning incidents in 35 states and territories reported by the media.

CPSC and campaign partners are calling for added vigilance at pools and spas this Fourth of July weekend and beyond. As part of this call to action, aquatic facilities across America are celebrating and showing their support for Pool Safely Day and making drowning prevention a priority by activities such as distributing campaign educational materials to their guests, and even providing safety tips and CPR demonstrations.

CPSC introduced the “Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives” campaign in Spring 2010 to support the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, federal legislation signed into law in 2007 mandating new requirements for pool and spa safety. This legislation also included a requirement for a national public education campaign designed to raise public awareness, support industry compliance, and improve safety at pools and spas.

Click here to see the CPSC’s press release.

For additional information, members can contact Lisa Brechtel at 703-558-0666 or lbrechtel@mfghome.org.