The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is seeking applications for a special Pool Safely grant program, which is being offered to state and local governments. That’s great news for anyone who wants to take action in the fight against drowning.
After all, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths worldwide. In fact, it accounts for seven percent of all injury-related deaths. Beyond that, drowning is also the leading cause of death in children under the age of four.
Whether or not a drowning or near-drowning has specifically affected your life, now is your chance to make a difference. Today, Life Saver Pool Fence is here to show exactly how you can help!
What is the Pool Safely Grant Program?
The Pool Safely grant program provides state and local governments with assistance to implement enforcement and education programs. These grants will assist jurisdictions in reducing deaths and injuries from drowning. Overall, the goal is to prevent drownings and drain entrapments in pools and spas. The CPSC expects to award $1.1 million in two-year grants. If you’d like more information about the grant, you can read more at poolsafely.gov.
As an example, California is currently leading the way in pool safety. The California Swimming Pool Safety Act mandates that all pools must have at least one safety measure. This includes either a removable childproof fence, a pool cover, or an alarm. In 2017, the law was revised and expanded. Now, any pools installed after 2017 must have at least two safety measures. A law like this in your state could significantly help prevent drowning deaths.
How You Can Help
This program seems like a dream come true for many drowning prevention advocates. But, in order for our state and local governments to apply for funding, they’ll need to first be made aware of the grant. That’s where you come in!
In this post, we’ve put together a focused letter template that will allow you to easily let your local state representative know about this grant opportunity. Feel free to add a personal account or note with the letter. Act now and spread the word! The grant application deadline is April 2, 2018.
Click this link to find your local representative‘s name and contact information.
Now that you know who your Reps are, here’s a letter template for you to use:
Dear Representative (Insert Last Name),
Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of death in children under the age of four? The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is seeking applications for its special Pool Safely grant program offered to state and local governments.
The commission expects to award $1.1 million in two-year grants to assist jurisdictions in reducing deaths and injuries from drowning. This program will provide state and local governments with assistance in helping to implement enforcement and education programs, with the goal of preventing drownings and drain entrapments in pools and spas. Please take this grant into consideration as its application in our community would save many lives.
https://www.poolsafely.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2018-Grants-Press-Release.pdf
Thank you,
(Insert Your Name)
Finally, if you’re not interested in emailing your Rep, here is a handy tutorial for submitting via the Facebook mobile app:
Step One: Go to your home page.
Step Two: Click the “three bars” icon in the lower right corner. It’s right next to the notifications bell.
Step 3: Click on Town Hall and enter your address. Click “Contact” once a list like below appears.
There you go! Now you can easily copy and paste our message to your local and state representatives.
