Pool Safety Bill Expands Grants and Mandates CPSC Education Campaign Through 2030

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act is essentially a major update and extension of the federal government’s playbook for preventing drownings and entrapment incidents in pools and spas. This legislation doesn’t just renew the existing framework; it expands who can get federal help and doubles down on public education. It authorizes $5 million annually—split between grants and a national awareness campaign—from fiscal year 2026 through 2030.

Who Gets the Cash? Expanding the Safety Net

The biggest change here is who counts as a “covered entity” eligible for grants from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). While states and Indian Tribes were already in the mix, this bill adds nonprofit organizations to the list. To qualify, a nonprofit must be a 501(c)(3) and demonstrate "proven experience" in pool safety and drowning prevention. This is a smart move because it allows smaller, specialized groups that are already doing the work on the ground—like local YMCAs or dedicated water safety charities—to access federal funding, potentially reaching communities that state agencies might miss.

To get a grant, the state or tribal area where the work happens must already have a safety law that meets federal minimum requirements. The CPSC will prioritize applicants who haven’t received a grant before, those who want to expand education, and, critically, those working in areas with high drowning rates or serving underserved and rural communities. If you live in a remote area or a community historically overlooked by public safety campaigns, this legislation specifically aims to direct resources your way to address those disparities.

The Rules of the Road for Grant Spending

If a state or tribe accepts this money, there are strings attached that dictate how it must be spent. At least 25 percent of the grant must be dedicated to enforcement: that means hiring and training personnel to inspect pool drain covers and ensure compliance with safety laws. The remaining funds go toward public education campaigns. For states, this minimum enforcement spend is a significant commitment, ensuring that the money doesn't just fund brochures but actually puts inspectors on the ground. Nonprofits, on the other hand, must use all their funds for education and awareness.

This structure ensures a two-pronged approach. For example, a state might use the enforcement money to hire inspectors to check public pools and apartment complexes for faulty drain covers (a major entrapment hazard). Meanwhile, a local nonprofit could use its grant to run free swimming lessons or safety workshops for parents in targeted neighborhoods, ensuring the safety message actually reaches the families who need it most.

CPSC’s New Homework: Education and Accountability

Beyond the grants, the bill mandates that the CPSC run a national education and awareness program. This includes creating guidance for pool manufacturers and service companies on inspecting and replacing barriers and drain covers—a key detail for anyone who owns or services a pool. More importantly, the CPSC must develop educational materials specifically targeted at "historically disadvantaged communities" that have higher drowning rates. This recognizes that pool safety is not just a suburban issue but a public health issue that disproportionately affects certain populations.

Finally, the bill introduces a new layer of accountability. The CPSC is required to submit detailed annual reports to Congress, outlining who applied for grants, who received them, how the money was used, and the program's overall effectiveness. This means that for the next several years, the CPSC will have to show its work, providing transparency on whether these federal dollars are actually making pools and spas safer across the country.