FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2003
Release #03-179
Company Phone Number: (800) 889-7946
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
CPSC, Swimways Corp. Announce Recall of Swim Trainers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces
the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers
should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of product: "Sandy Claws" Swim Trainers
Units: About 3,400
Manufacturer: Swimways Corp., of Virginia Beach, Va.
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.
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."
Sold at: Specialty pool and toy stores nationwide and Internet
retailers sold the flotation devices from January 2003 through July 2003
for about $12.
Manufactured in: China
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.
Consumer 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 Web site at www.swimways.com