Minneapolis, MN — The family of a 6-year-old girl whose intestines were partially sucked out by a Minnesota swimming pool drain last year says the child has died.[The girl] was injured on June 29 when she sat on a pool drain and its powerful suction ripped out part of her intestinal tract. She had small bowel, liver and pancreas transplants at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in December but suffered complications.
The child’s injury led to federal legislation to make pools safer. — Fox News
Yeah, that’s grim and ghastly, worsened by the fact that it’s true. Now read this in your spare time, a short tale story called “Guts” by Chuck Palahniuk, best known for his novel turned movie called “Fight Club.”
You’d be surprised what we find clogging up swimming pool drains and filters. In 15 years, I never had anything as horrible as this (and I’m a little skeptical), but I’ve had dead birds, rats, snakes, cats, and assorted animal parts. Also condoms, bathing suits, toys, pieces of patio furniture, decayed food, medical supplies, pots and pans, and once — only once — a $100 bill. That made it worthwhile for about 2 days.
OMG. Did anybody in her family ever step into the pool again? I couldn’t.
Hmmm. This gives me an idea.
Years back when I bought my first place in Key West I had my pool cleaned out and there wer about a million bottle caps and beer can tabs clogging it up. Turned out the people living there before me were like the all-time spring break party crowd. Also one nice little gold ring with what turned out to be a chunk of petrified cartelidge attached: It was a nose ring.
That was the last place I lived in with a pool.