MIAMI – Following the death of a 7-year-old boy who was electrocuted by the light in his backyard pool, Miami-Dade and Broward counties outlawed high-voltage lighting in new pools.
Miami-Dade County has now passed a new code that will give existing pool owners incentive to also switch to low-voltage lighting by reducing the permit fees.
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The new $65 fee will be available to those within unincorporated Miami-Dade County.
Calder Sloan was electrocuted April 13, one week after his birthday, in the pool behind the family's North Miami home.
His family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in hopes that it would bring about change in pool inspections.
"Our profound desire is that the tragedy that beset our son, who got it the worst, and our family never befalls another family or child again," said Chris Sloan, Calder's father.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez is also expected to create an outreach campaign to increase the awareness of the potential for electric shock associated with improperly installed, maintained or serviced underwater pool lights and to make the public aware of other alternatives to enhance the safety of swimming.