New York State officials are requiring alarms in new commercial and residential swimming pools in an effort to reduce child drowning.

The emergency regulations published Wednesday by New York’s Department of State were adopted this month by the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council.

The surface or subsurface alarms sound when sensors are activated by waves or wave-induced pressure. The estimated cost of one alarm, sufficient for most pools, is $150 to $200.

The following alert was posted by New York’s Department of  State:

As the weather gets warmer, New Yorkers will soon begin filling their swimming pools. Each year, according to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 240 children under the age of five drown in swimming pools. For young people aged 1-14, unintentional drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional, injury related death. For every child below the age of 14 who dies from drowning, five receive emergency room treatment. 

Please be advised that under the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, all swimming pools must be protected with a fence and self-closing door. Newly installed swimming pools that are constructed or substantially modified must also be equipped with a pool alarm. A swimming pool is defined as any structure designed for swimming or bathing that is more than 24 inches deep.

(Dov Gordon – YWN Desk NYC / YW-112)