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: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Target Audience
Population: People who use swimming pools and spas
Estimated Size: 100000000
- The bill is primarily focused on improving safety in swimming pools and spas.
- Such safety measures primarily impact those who use swimming pools and spas, including families, children, and pool operators.
- In addition to users, pool manufacturers and service businesses are also impacted by regulations.
- Swimming is a popular activity worldwide, with millions of people using pools and spas regularly.
Reasoning
- This policy mainly affects people who are engaged with swimming pools and spas either for recreational, professional, or operational purposes. Therefore, the interviews target a diverse group within this community ranging from families with children, pool owners, to pool and spa operators. The policy's impact also extends to related businesses such as pool equipment manufacturers and maintenance services.
- The budget restriction means that while the policy can significantly impact targeted safety measures, the financial scope may not cover all possible enhancements nationwide. Many programs might focus on higher-risk areas or larger facilities first.
- Given the vast number of potential beneficiaries (100 million Americans estimated to be affected), most direct beneficiaries might see medium or low improvements individually, particularly in well-served regions unless they are part of prioritized areas for safety improvements.
- Self-reported wellbeing can mildly increase for those who consciously feel safer or see tangible improvements in pool safety. however, the policy might not significantly change wellbeing for others who either seldom use pools or already feel safe.
Simulated Interviews
Lifeguard (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is crucial for enhancing safety standards.
- As a lifeguard, I constantly worry about accidents happening, and any improvement is welcomed.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Pool maintenance business owner (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's great to see the government investing in pool safety; it can help grow my business.
- I hope there are grants or supports available that we can apply for.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Swimming coach (Miami, FL)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Safety has always been a concern while coaching, especially with young kids in the pool.
- I believe this policy will make parents more confident in enrolling their kids in programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Parent (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'd feel much better about my son swimming if I knew the local pool was safer.
- Hopefully, these funds will help upgrade the facilities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired civil engineer (New York, NY)
Age: 62 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improvements in pool safety are always good but may not drastically change my experience.
- Enhancements may make spas more enjoyable and relaxing.
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 |
Pool equipment supplier (Houston, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The demand for our products might increase.
- This is an opportunity to partner with local facilities on upgrades.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
University student (Orlando, FL)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I didn't worry much about safety before; I trust the university facilities.
- More awareness and education are always beneficial, though.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Public school teacher (Denver, CO)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that reinforces safety in school pools is a win.
- Maybe we can lobby for a grant to upgrade our facilities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Private pool owner (Las Vegas, NV)
Age: 67 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I keep my pool well-maintained, so I'm not too worried.
- The policy might be more relevant for community pools.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
High school student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 19 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 19/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It'd be nice if pools are safer, makes me worry less when hanging out with friends.
- Not sure how much will change immediately, though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $21000000 (Low: $16000000, High: $26000000)
Year 3: $22000000 (Low: $17000000, High: $27000000)
Year 5: $24000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $29000000)
Year 10: $26000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $31000000)
Year 100: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Key Considerations
- The grants are primarily aimed at reducing drownings and injuries.
- Education programs require cooperation with state and local entities.
- The bill may lead to stricter safety regulations, impacting pool operators and manufacturers.