More than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold across the United States and Canada are now under recall following reports of nine drowning deaths involving young children. The affected pools, which include models from Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup, have been available at major retailers since as early as 2002. The recall was announced in notices published on Monday by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada.
The pools in question feature compression straps on their exteriors, which may inadvertently create a foothold for small children. This design flaw presents a significant drowning risk, as children can gain access to the water without adult supervision. According to the CPSC, these tragic incidents occurred between 2007 and 2022 and involved children aged between 22 months and 3 years old. No additional fatalities have been reported in Canada.
Consumers who possess these pools are strongly advised to contact Bestway, Intex, or Polygroup immediately to obtain a free repair kit. The repair kit will replace the compression strap with a rope, enhancing safety. Until the necessary repairs are made, owners are urged to ensure that children cannot access the pools without supervision or to consider draining the pools entirely.
Details of the Recall and Safety Precautions
All affected pools measure 48 inches or taller and can be identified by the brand and model names listed in the recall notices provided by the CPSC and Health Canada. Sales of these pools span a wide range of models and locations. Approximately 5 million of the recalled pools were sold in the United States, both online and in stores at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco, and Amazon. An additional 266,000 pools were sold in Canada.
The CPSC emphasizes the importance of parental vigilance when it comes to pool safety, particularly for young children. The agency recommends that parents and guardians remain vigilant and ensure that children are supervised at all times when near water. The potential for accidents in and around swimming pools necessitates constant attention.
As the summer season approaches, the recall serves as a critical reminder of the importance of pool safety measures. Families are encouraged to review the safety features of their pools and to take proactive steps to ensure a secure environment for children. The announcement of this recall underscores the ongoing commitment of regulatory agencies to protect consumers and promote safety in recreational activities.
For further information on the recall and safety measures, consumers can refer to the official websites of the CPSC and Health Canada.
