The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a significant recall for about 5 million above-ground pools. Sadly, these pools are linked to the drownings of nine young children over the past twenty years.
The issue centers around a compression strap on the outside of these pools. This design flaw allows kids to access the pool even if the ladder is removed, making it easy for them to accidentally fall in. The children affected were very young, between 22 months and 3 years old, with incidents reported in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri. The reported drownings occurred from 2002 to 2007.
The pools, measuring 48 inches high or taller, have been sold by companies like Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup. Retailers such as Amazon, Lowe’s, Target, and Walmart have been selling them since 2002. The price range for these pools is around $400 to over $1,000.
In light of these incidents, the CPSC advises consumers who own these pools to reach out to the manufacturers for repair kits. These kits include a rope to help keep the pool stable. The recall number to reference is 25-393.
Experts emphasize the importance of child safety around water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1 to 4. In fact, a recent CDC study revealed that nearly 800 children in this age group drown every year in the U.S. This highlights the need for constant supervision and secure barriers, even when kids are playing around pools.
Social media users have expressed outrage and sadness over the news, sharing personal stories and emphasizing the need for better safety measures with above-ground pools. Many caregivers are now questioning the safety of other pool models, urging for more comprehensive safety tests before pools hit the market.
For those affected by this recall, contacting the manufacturers not only helps to ensure safety but contributes to raising awareness about this crucial issue. If you want to read more about this recall, you can check out the full CPSC notice here.
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Product Recall