Allegedly Defective Baby Floats Recalled for Drowning Risk

Washington, DCA baby float that was recalled in the interests of consumer protection and product liability has been cited for 31 incidents where infants have suddenly fallen into, or under the water. So far there have been no deaths or injuries reported from the defective products .However, four million of the inflatable baby floats have been recalled.

According to a release from the US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the inflatable baby floats come in a variety of styles and colors and were manufactured in China for Aqua-Leisure Industries of Avon, Mass.

According to a CPSC release dated July 2nd, the leg straps in the seat of the floatation device can tear. These leg straps serve as the support for the infant in the device. Once that support is compromised, it is possible for the infant to slip into the water with the potential for disastrous results.

Of the 31 incidents where infants have fallen into the water there have been no injuries. Presumably parents or caregivers have been at the ready with ample supervision, with the capacity to respond immediately when the floatation device fails.

The recalled inflatable baby floats were sold in a variety of styles and colors, with the names and model numbers located on the packaging. A date ranging between 08/02 and 07/08 is molded onto the valves of recalled products. Products not included in the voluntary recall have the lettering "NP" molded on the valve, according to the CPSC release.

The items in question were sold at retailers nationwide including Target, Toys "R" Us, Wal-Mart, Dollar General, Kmart, Walgreens, Ace Hardware and Bed, Bath & Beyond from December 2002 through June 2009. Items retailed for between $8 and $15.

The various product names include: Baby & Me Combo, Deluxe Baby Boat, Deluxe Toddler Racer, Ticklish Turtle Sunshade Float/Baby Boat, Toddler Race Boat, Aquarium Baby Float, Baby Adjustable Sunshade Boat, Adjustable Canopy Sunshade Float, Child's Baby Boat with Canopy, Sunshade Wave Rider Float, Child's Wave Rider,
Sunshade Buggy, Sunshade Water Buggy (Girl or Boy), Kiddie Cabin Cruiser, Quacker Float and Squirtin' Tootin' Tugboat.

The Sing-Along Wave Rider plays "Twinkle Twinkle" and "Row Row Row Your Boat."

One can imagine the horror of a parent or caregiver when allegedly defective products such as the aforementioned infant floats put the health and safety of infants at risk. Consumer protection requires that product liability be upheld—especially when the welfare of children is at stake.