Gap in pool safety

TERRE HAUTE, Ind (WTHI) - Many public pools like the one at Forest Park in Brazil, Ind. still do not meet federal codes.

"The drain covers that we have are metal grates, very heavy metal grates but there is a very thin space between each grate," President of the Brazil Parks Board Ruth Ann Jeffries said.

There is enough space that hands, feet, and hair can all be caught, leading to some startling statistics.

From 1999 to 2007, there were 74 reports of entrapment, causing nine deaths and 63 injuries.

Now, every public pool drain must have the proper mesh cover.

"It's costing the city between 14,000 and 15,000 dollars that was not in our present budget," said Jeffries.

A lot of pools operators across the country are buying up covers keeping the supply short.

"Even worse news our covers are not available," said Jeffries.

The good news is the state board of heath says they can continue keeping kids cool for now.

"They gave us permission to open for the year and when our drain covers become available we have to install them," said Jeffries.

In the meantime, park officials are confident that the pool is safe.

"We have been in operation since 1978. We have never had one incident with it and were confident that everything is safe," Brazil Park Supt. Bill Houck said.

Terre Haute's pool at Deming Park does have the new drain pool covers.