{"id":27,"date":"2014-01-27T10:24:44","date_gmt":"2014-01-27T15:24:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mypoolsigns.com/blog\/?p=27"},"modified":"2026-04-21T07:08:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T11:08:51","slug":"pool-entrapment-understanding-preventing-danger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mypoolsigns.com/blog\/pool-entrapment-understanding-preventing-danger\/","title":{"rendered":"Pool entrapment: understanding and preventing the danger"},"content":{"rendered":"

A child in the Philippines barely escaped with his life recently when he became entrapped<\/a> in the drain pipe of a local swimming pool. What does this news from halfway around the world have to do with you and swimming pool safety? Plenty.<\/p>\n

Entrapment<\/a> is one of the hidden dangers of swimming pools many people aren\u2019t aware of \u2014 until it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n

\"family<\/a>

Pool drains can be fatal, particularly to small children, who can become stuck underwater. Image via Michael Coghlan<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

To understand why, you need to know the basics of pool and spa circulation. Pool and spa drains are different from those in sinks or bathtubs. Pool drains are actually part of a circulation system that\u2019s driven by a pump to filter and maintain water quality. Water is continually being sucked into the drains and recirculated back into the pool. Swimmers who come in contact with these suction outlets can become entrapped on them, especially if the cover is broken or improperly installed. In some cases a vacuum can form, making it nearly impossible to free the victim.<\/p>\n

There are five types of entrapment<\/a>: body entrapment; limb entrapment, evisceration, mechanical entrapment and hair entrapment. All often lead to drowning.<\/p>\n

In the United States, it\u2019s federal law<\/a> for every public pool to have an anti-entrapment drain cover<\/a> to prevent such tragedies. The next time you go to you local pool or waterpark, make sure you ask the manager if they comply with this law, known as the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, or VGB.<\/p>\n