7-year old Virginia Graeme Baker died in 2002 from being trapped in the filtration system of a hot tub during a school graduation party. Graeme was the granddaughter of former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker.CNN: Some ignore law to prevent pools from being child deathtraps (January 15, 2009)
New Regulations
The federal law Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Act, which went into effect in December 2008, was named after Graeme. It was passed by Congress in December 2007. It requires hot tub and pool owners to install new drain covers and grates to prevent people from being sucked into the drain or trapped in it. According to news report, many pool owners have not yet complied with the rule. Some say they have not been able to get the drain covers in time. Some pools are temporarily closed while waiting for the drain covers.Post Independent: Local pools getting caught up on new drain regulation (December 21, 2008)
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Was a member of a swim and diving team, had been swimming since she was three years oldSafe Kids USA: Water Safety Campaign 2007
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Suction was later estimated to being equal to 700 pounds holding Graeme down
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Her mother lobbied for years to get the law to passSafe Kids USA: Water Safety Campaign 2007
