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CPSC Announces $2M in Pool Safely Grants Available for State, Local Governments to Help Prevent Drownings

New Jersey

 The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is seeking applications for a Pool Safely Grant Program (PSGP or grant program) offered to state and local governments. 

CPSC will award up to a total of $2 million in two-year grants to assist jurisdictions in reducing deaths and injuries from drowning and drain entrapment incidents in pools and spas. 

The PSGP is a part of CPSC's national campaign to make drowning and drain entrapment prevention a critical public safety priority.

The grant program is made possible through theVirginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBAct), legislation authored and advanced by Rep.Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida). 

The VGBAct seeks to provide state and local governments withassistance for education, training and enforcement ofpool safety requirements.

“These grants can make a real difference and potentially save lives as communities work to reopen pools following the pandemic. 

These grants can help educate consumers about drowning and entrapment dangers and provide assistance to states and municipalities for their enforcement of pool safety laws,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Robert Adler. 

“State and local programs can receive funding to continue this lifesaving work to reduce the risk of drowning.”

Applicants must be a state or local government or U S.Territory that has an enacted or amended a state and/orlocal law(s) that meet the requirements of the VGB Act(15 U.S.C. 8001), sections 1405 and 1406.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review thesolicitation on Grants.gov, under grant opportunityCPSC-21-001. 

Applications will be accepted through July 19, 2021.

CPSC's website: www.PoolSafely.gov, has more information about the Pool Safely Grant Program andthe VGB Act. Poolsafely.gov  has free, downloadableinformation for the general public, state and localofficials, the swimming pool and spa community andthe media.

The requirements of this child safety law have helped reduce the risk of drowning. 

The requirements, includeinstalling new safety drain covers and physicalbarriers, such as a fence completely surrounding thepool, with self-closing, self-latching gates, and, if thehouse forms a side of the barrier, using alarms ondoors leading to the pool area and/or a power safetycover over the pool. 

See additional pool safety tips at:www.poolsafely.gov

 

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