CPSC, Swimways Corp. Announce Recall of Swim Trainers

Recalled September 10, 2003 · CPSC recall 03179 · Swimways

Child using recalled "Sandy Claws" Swim Trainer

Hazard

The nylon body strap on the swim trainer can detach or tear from the flotation device and release a child into water, posing a serious drowning hazard to young children.

Remedy

Consumers should stop using the swim trainers immediately and return them to the company for a full refund. Swimways will provide consumers with a self-addressed envelope to return the product.

Units

About 3,400

Incidents / injuries

There have been seven reports of the body straps detaching and two reports of the seams splitting, though no injuries have been reported.

Description

The recalled "Sandy Claws" Swim Trainer is a red-and-yellow-colored fabric crab with eight stuffed legs and two eyes covering a styrofoam buoyancy float. Black straps are attached to the side seams to fasten around a child. Printed on the underside of the crab float are the words, "Swim Ways" and "CAUTION: This is not a lifesaving device. Do not leave child unattended while in use."

What to do

Consumers should stop using the swim trainers immediately and return them to the company for a full refund. Swimways will provide consumers with a self-addressed envelope to return the product.

Contact

Consumers should contact Swimways at (800) 889-7946 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the company's website at www.swimways.com

Product

Sandy Claws Swim Trainers

Manufacturer(s)

Swimways Corp., of Virginia Beach, Va.

Retailers

Specialty pool and toy stores nationwide and Internet retailers sold the flotation devices, from January 2003 through July 2003, for about $12.

Made in

China

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Official recall notice on cpsc.gov →