Pool Safely's 3rd Year at the Pool and Spa Expo

Multiple Award Winning Campaign Committed to Working with Industry on Long-term Safety

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives, Consumer Product Safety Commission's award-winning information and education campaign, returns to the International Pool and Spa Expo in Las Vegas on Nov 2.  The campaign supports long-term safety changes and compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act or VGB Act.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO).

The Pool Safely campaign provides educational materials and messaging about drowning and entrapment prevention for children and families. Virginia Graeme Baker, for whom the act is named, died in an entrapment incident in a residential spa in 2002. The Act mandates anti-entrapment drain covers and other safety systems or devices in all public pools and spas.  

"Pool Safely's success stems from its partnerships with safety advocacy and children's organizations, the pool and spa industry and relationships with state and local regulatory officials," said Kathleen Reilly, Pool Safely Campaign Leader. Adding, "CPSC provides messages and materials for education and training that can be used by community pools and aquatic centers or industry representatives to encourage compliance and safer swimming environments."

CPSC engaged Widmeyer Communications to create the new campaign and education program whose strength lies in its all-encompassing message: to Pool Safely add a few simple steps to your routine to make children and families safer.  Additional steps can mean changing a behavior – always having an adult Water Watcher when kids are in or near the pool; learning new skills – teaching kids to swim or learning CPR; or upgrading equipment – installing four-foot fencing around all residential pools and spas can save lives.  You never know which step will save a life… until it does.

Launched in spring 2010, the Pool Safely campaign has received the following recognition and awards:

National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) 2011 Lighthouse Award
The Pool Safely campaign was awarded NDPA's Lighthouse Award, its highest honor.

World Waterpark Association 2011 Kelly Ogle Memorial Safety Award
The Pool Safely campaign was honored for its significant contributions to guest and employee safety.

2011 Bulldog Awards
Best Use of Broadcast Video/Internet – Business/Consumer: Silver
Best Education/Public Service Campaign: Finalist/Honorable Mention

The 32nd Annual Telly Awards (2011)
Internet/Online Video – Education: Silver (Pool Safely Educational Video)
PSA: Regional TV & Multi-Market Cable – Public Service: Silver (Pool Safely PSA)

2010 Aurora Awards
Educational Profiles – General Instructions: Platinum Best Show (Pool Safely Educational Video)

2010 Holmes Report SABRE Awards
Public Service Announcement: Certificate of Excellence

2011 PR Week Awards
Public Sector Campaign of the Year: Finalist

2011 PR News' Platinum PR Awards
Public Affairs: Finalist

Pool Safely campaign information and materials will be available at booth #1113 at the Las Vegas International Pool and Spa Expo.

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission