Pool suction-drain injury

Pool suction-drain injury, also known as suction entrapment, occurs when the drain of a wading pool, swimming pool, hot tub, or fountain sucks in a swimmer's jewelry, torso, limbs, hair or buttocks. In some cases of buttocks entrapment, victims are disemboweled. In the United States, 147 incidents were documented between 1985 and 2002 of which 36 were fatal.[1] In 1982, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that five children were disemboweled by drains in wading pools and urged pools to install covers on drains.[2][3]

A standard 8 inches (20 cm) main drain can develop up to 350 pounds (160 kg) of force, which could hold a person underwater in tight grip until the suction is released. This can drown the entrapped person, despite the rescue efforts of multiple adults.[4]

One way to make drains safer is to install shut-off valves and dome-shape drains that are less likely to create a suction effect with the human body, as required in the United States by the 2007 Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.[5]

  1. ^ Rowley, William N.; Egstrom, Glen H.; Witte, Donald H.; Rocha, Ester; Rocha, Francisco (2008). "Dual-Main-Drain Suction-Entrapment Test Report". International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: 190–212 – via Bowling Green State University.
  2. ^ "Open drain holes in wading pools have accidentally disemboweled five children". The Daily Sentinel-Tribune. 1982-08-10. p. 12. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  3. ^ "Children Are Disemboweled by Pool Drains". Lancaster New Era. 1982-08-10. p. 8. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  4. ^ Dumas, Bob (October 2003). "Troubled Waters". Pool and Spa News. Los Angeles: Hanley Wood LLC. Archived from the original on 2011-07-15.
  5. ^ "'She Died in My Arms': A Mother's Mission for Safe Pools". ABC News. July 23, 2008. Retrieved February 11, 2022.