California Passes Legislation Aimed at Reducing Number of Residential Pool Drownings.

IRVINE, Calif. -- The Center for Disease Control reports that most drownings of children ages one to four occur in residential swimming pools. To build awareness of and reduce the risks associated with backyard pools, the state of California recently enacted new legislation intended to minimize

The new legislation, which is a revision to the 1998 Swimming Pool and Safety Act, went into effect January 1, 2007, and adds ASTM-certified pool alarms as an option for homeowners to use instead of door alarms, fencing or pool covers.

"This new legislation underscores the importance of safeguarding children around a home swimming pool," said Robert Jechart, member of the ASTM Pool Safety Committee. "Pool alarms that sound both inside and outside the home provide a critical last layer of defense against fatal drownings, which are usually a quiet event that occurs when least expected. This new state legislation should increase awareness of the need for pool alarms and effectively reduce the number of unintentional drownings."

California is one of only three states with a pool alarm law. Door alarms have traditionally been the primary safety measure used to protect home pools in California, but they have proven ineffective primarily because homeowners often disable them due to their obtrusiveness and annoyance. Pool alarms are effective because, unlike door alarms, homeowners rely on them to protect their children and offer them an added peace of mind.

AquaGuard([TM]) Pool Alarm System by RJE Technologies, Inc. is designed to meet the new legislation mandates. AquaGuard detects when a child 18 lbs. or more falls into the pool or spa. The detector's dual sirens alert residents both inside and outside the home to the emergency to ensure prompt rescue. More information about the reliable and user-friendly ASTM-certified pool alarm, as well as a complete guide to pool safety is available on the Web at http://www.aquaguardpoolalarm.com/safety.php.

About the State of California Legislation

The complete Swimming Pool Safety Act of California can be accessed at http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ddwem/environmental/Rec_Health/default.htm.