2008년 모든 공공 수영장들은 익사의 위험을 최소화하기 위해 흡착을 방지하는 안전 배수구 커버를 의무적으로 설치하여야 했다. 그때부터 더 이상 배수구 문제와 관련한 사망 소식은 보고되지 않았다.

하지만 법안에서 면제된 사유 수영장의 경우 그렇지 않았다.

Humility of Mary Health Partners 사의 부상 방지 및 트라우마 지원 코디네이터인 Ben Melnykovich 씨는 "많은 이들의 집, 뒤뜰 수영장, 스파 등 유사 시설에는 아직 아이는 물론이고 어른까지 위험에 내모는 강력한 흡수력의 배수구가 버젓이 존재하고 있다."고 말한다.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - In 2008, all public pools were required to install anti-entrapment drain covers to minimize the risk of drowning.  Since then, no deaths have been reported. 

Although, that hasn't been the case at private pools, which are exempt from the law.

"In people's homes, backyard pools, spas or whatever, if there is drain and there is a sufficient amount of suction there is, many times, enough to hold an adult down, much less a child," says Ben Melnykovich, Humility of Mary Health Partners' Injury Prevention and Trauma Outreach Coordinator.

Which was the case earlier this week when singer Usher Raymond's son got stuck in a drain while swimming in a backyard pool. 

While he is expected to make a full recovery, Melnykovich says drain-related accidents can not only cause a person to drown, but sometimes the suction can be so powerful it can remove organs from the body.

"I think the important thing is not to have a false sense of security just by being there.  In other words, if you're kids are in the pool, just because you're physically present doesn't make them safe," says Melnykovich.

Reports indicate a housekeeper and an aunt were watching Usher's son. 

Melnykovich says it's important for adults to always be in tune with what kids are doing in the pool by not only watching them, but listening to them as well.

[출처: WFMJ / 2013년 8월 8일]