Major Pool Recall Announced

A dangerous design flaw in five million pools has led to a significant recall.

Massive Recall of Pools Raises Drowning Risks for Children

This week, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of five million backyard pools due to a design flaw that poses a drowning risk to young children. The recall affects pools made by manufacturers such as Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, which are equipped with compression straps that allow small children to enter unnoticed. Since 2007, at least nine children, aged between 22 months and 3 years, have drowned in these pools. The straps, meant to secure the pool's structure, can be used as footholds, providing access even without a ladder. Pool owners are urged to contact manufacturers for a free repair kit while the CPSC advises enhancing general pool safety to prevent drowning.

This recall highlights the ongoing risks associated with backyard pools, particularly for families with young children. Despite previous warnings, the persistent design loophole obligates consumers to take immediate action. The CPSC's reminder about pool safety practices is timely yet underscores a troubling reality: around 350 children under five die annually from pool drownings. The effectiveness of this recall will depend on consumer awareness and responsiveness, making it vital for families to act swiftly.

Highlights

Safe pool practices are critical to preventing unnecessary tragedies.