Urgent Recall: Over 5 Million Pools Sold in U.S. and Canada Linked to 9 Tragic Deaths

NEW YORK — Over 5.2 million above-ground swimming pools in the U.S. and Canada are now under recall due to safety concerns. This follows nine reported drowning incidents involving young children.

The recall includes pools from Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup, sold by major retailers since 2002. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada report that these pools have straps along the outside that can serve as a foothold for small children, allowing them to access the water without supervision.

The CPSC noted that the nine drowning cases occurred from 2007 to 2022, involving children aged 22 months to 3 years. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported in Canada related to these pools.

Consumers who own these pools should reach out to Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup for a free repair kit, which will replace the risky compression strap with a safer option. Until repairs are made, keeping small children away from these pools or draining them is strongly advised.

According to the CPSC, most of the recalled pools are 48 inches tall or more and can be identified by specific brand and model names. Many of these pools were sold at popular stores like Walmart, Target, and online sites like Amazon.

In 2022, drowning was the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1 to 4, highlighting the critical need for pool safety measures. Experts recommend implementing strict supervision and using safety barriers around pools.

For more detailed information about the recall, check the official U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or Health Canada.

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