Recalled swimming pool straps let kids climb in, 5 million affected after 9 toddlers drowned
More than 5 million recalled swimming pool models are being pulled from shelves nationwide after a defect in the pools’ compression straps contributed to the drowning of nine children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) confirmed.
These above-ground pools, sold since 2002 and standing 48 inches or taller, came with external compression straps that create footholds for toddlers, enabling them to climb in even without using the ladder. The tragic deaths involved children aged 22 months to 3 years across six states between 2007 and 2022.
Manufacturers Bestway, Intex, Polygroup, along with CPSC and Health Canada, announced a voluntary recall. A free repair kit is being offered that replaces the compression straps with a safer rope system. Consumers are urged to either prevent child access or drain the recalled swimming pool until the repair is installed.
These pools were sold at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Costco, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Sam’s Club, Kmart, Big Lots, Toys “R” Us, and Amazon, with prices ranging from $400 to over $1000.
