Glossary
Virginia Graeme Baker Act
The 2007 federal pool and spa safety law requiring anti-entrapment drain covers in public pools and spas.
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is a U.S. federal law signed in December 2007 that requires public pools and spas to have anti-entrapment drain covers. It is named for Virginia Graeme Baker, a 7-year-old girl who drowned after being trapped underwater by the suction of a hot tub drain, according to Pool Safely (opens in a new tab), the federal campaign run by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What it requires:
- Since December 19, 2008, public pools and spas must have drain covers that meet the federal standard (CPSC (opens in a new tab)).
- A public pool or spa with a single drain that can be blocked needs a second device or system to prevent entrapment.
The law has made a measurable difference: since it took effect, CPSC (opens in a new tab) has had no reported deaths of a child entrapped on a suction outlet cover in a public pool or spa. The Act covers public pools, so families with home pools and spas should check their own drain covers. See drain entrapment and public pool safety.
What you can do today: at any pool or spa, glance at the drain covers before you get in and report damage to staff.