Cape, Jackson swim facilities aren't affected by pool drain recall

While swimming pools across the country could shut down this weekend after the recall of 1 million pool drain covers that prevent children from getting trapped underwater and drowning, Cape Girardeau's two swim facilities won't be affected, city officials said.

"We don't use any of the affected drain covers," said city spokeswoman Nicolette Brennan. "We were aware of it, but it's not applicable to us because we don't use any of those drain covers that are being recalled."

Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center is still scheduled to open on Saturday, she said. Central Municipal Pool is undergoing remodeling and is closed until mid June, but it also does not use the recalled covers.

Jackson's pool was also slated to open Saturday. Pool manager Carole Baugh said the city replaced its drain cover last year and hasn't received any notification that its current drain cover is part of the recall, so the pool will open as scheduled at 1 p.m. Saturday.

According to a USA Today report, Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairwoman Inez Tenenbaum urged that public pools with recalled covers close immediately until they can be replaced. Private pool owners should contact the manufacturer of their drain cover. The drain covers, required since 2009, prevent drownings by making sure swimmers can't block the drain and become trapped by the powerful suction. The recalled covers are made by A&A Manufacturing, AquaStar Pool Products, Color Match Pool Fittings, Custom Molded Products, Hayward Pool Products, Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Rising Dragon USA and Waterway Plastics.

Pertinent address:

1920 Whitener St., Cape Girardeau, MO

1625 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO