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Suction-drain injury in a public wading pool--North Carolina, 1991
Insights
A child was severely injured by a public pool’s suction drain. Safety measures are crucial to prevent suction-related injuries in swimming pools, especially for children.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Safety
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Recreational water facilities pose potential hazards.
- Pool suction drains are a known risk factor for entrapment injuries.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old child became entrapped on an uncapped suction drain in a public wading pool.
- The suction pump was turned off, but the child sustained severe internal injuries.
Findings:
- The incident highlights the dangers of unsecured pool suction drains.
- Investigation by the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (DEHNR) was conducted.
Implications:
- There is a critical need for enhanced safety measures and drain covers in public pools.
- Preventing suction-related injuries, particularly among children, requires adherence to safety protocols.
Abstract:
On June 16, 1991, a 3-year-old girl playing in a public wading pool sat on the pool's uncapped suction drain. The child appeared to be stuck on the drain, and the pool attendant quickly turned off the pool's suction pump. As a consequence of sitting on the drain, the child sustained severe internal injuries requiring surgical repair. This report summarizes the investigation of this incident by the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (DEHNR) and describes safety measures to prevent injuries among children caused by pool suction drains.