US safety body calls for destruction of unsafe child floats

After the drowning death of a two-year-old, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has encouraged owners of a pool float called Relaxing Baby to destroy it.

At least one death has been reported, but the overseas manufacturer hadn’t responded to CPSC requests for a recall.

The blue and green inflatable swim floats are meant for small children ages three months to 36 months. The child sits in a seat in the centre of the float, secured with a buckle. Certain models also include a detachable rear float.

It was found that the Relaxing Baby swim floats, sold largely on Amazon and other websites, can flip over and/or submerge the occupant, especially posing a drowning risk to infants and toddlers.

The CPSC urged consumers to puncture the plastic wherever it can inflate and dispose of the floats immediately.

“Do not sell or give away these hazardous swim floats,” it said in its warning.

Coroner calls for NZ portable pool ban

Meanwhile, the death of a New Zealand baby has led to calls from a coroner and assistant coroner to ban portable pools 400mm to 1200mm high. The baby drowned after the portable pool collapsed inwards, and he was not able to climb out.

However, the New Zealand Minister for Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Scott Simpson, has shut down any discussion about a ban, saying that with all product safety regulation there is a need to balance safety with allowing people to use products of their choice.

IMAGE: CPSC