Bill Overview
Title: Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act of 2022
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 and expands swimming pool safety grants and education and awareness programs.
Sponsors: Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-23]
Target Audience
Population: Operators and users of swimming pools and spas
Estimated Size: 17000000
- This bill directly impacts operators and users of swimming pools and spas as it focuses on safety.
- The safety grants related to swimming pools will likely influence municipalities and private pool operators who apply for these grants.
- Educational and awareness programs will target swimming pool users, including families and children, aiming to reduce drowning incidents.
- The initial Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act targeted public pools and spas, so this reauthorization continues to mainly affect public facilities.
Reasoning
- The budget and reach of the policy suggest it may not have a high impact on individuals' direct wellbeing but could elevate safety perceptions over time.
- Given the cost and target population size, not every pool operator or user will be equally affected.
- The policy may have more visible benefits in communities with prevalent public pools and active swimming programs.
- Since the policy emphasizes education and awareness, its long-term effects on wellbeing might materialize as decreased anxiety regarding pool use.
Simulated Interviews
Pool maintenance manager (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this is a sensible policy that prioritizes safety.
- I hope to secure a grant to improve our facility's safety features.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Private pool owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a private pool owner, I'm not directly affected by grants.
- The educational programs might help me be more cautious.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Community council member (Chicago, IL)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Safety should always come first, this program supports that.
- We will apply for grants to modernize our facilities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Swim instructor (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Programs like this are important to ensure safe environments for beginners.
- I hope the policy leads to more training opportunities for us instructors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
College student (New York, NY)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I guess additional pool safety is beneficial.
- I don't think it will change much for me personally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
City park manager (Houston, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is crucial for upgrading our older pool systems.
- It will help keep our parks safe and reduce accidents.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired (Tampa, FL)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about safety at my age.
- Improvements to pool safety would help me feel more secure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Parent (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The educational program can benefit parents like me.
- Ultimately, it's about keeping my kids safe.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Health and Safety Advocate (Orlando, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns well with our ongoing advocacy efforts.
- Increased funding could facilitate quicker implementation of safety measures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Water Safety Instructor (Denver, CO)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy increases safety and awareness around pools.
- Access to better resources can make a big difference.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2800000 (Low: $2500000, High: $3000000)
Year 2: $2800000 (Low: $2500000, High: $3000000)
Year 3: $2800000 (Low: $2500000, High: $3000000)
Year 5: $2800000 (Low: $2500000, High: $3000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The alignment of federal allocation with local needs and capabilities in implementing safety measures.
- Potential variations in grant uptake may occur due to differences in state and local regulations.
- The effectiveness of educational programs in reducing accidents may contribute positively to public health.