Recall: Swim Trainers Recalled by Swimways Corp.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 10, 2003 Release #03-179

Company Phone Number: (800) 889-7946 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Swimways Corp. Announce Recall of Swim Trainers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: "Sandy Claws" Swim Trainers

Units: About 3,400

Manufacturer: Swimways Corp., of Virginia Beach, Va.

Hazard: The nylon body strap on the swim trainer can detach or tear from the flotation device and release a child into water, posing a serious drowning hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been seven reports of the body straps detaching and two reports of the seams splitting, though no injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled "Sandy Claws" Swim Trainer is a red and yellow colored fabric crab with eight stuffed legs and two eyes covering a styrofoam buoyancy float. Black straps are attached to the side seams to fasten around a child. Printed on the underside of the crab float are the words, "Swim Ways" and "CAUTION: This is not a lifesaving device. Do not leave child unattended while in use."

Sold at: Specialty pool and toy stores nationwide and Internet retailers sold the flotation devices from January 2003 through July 2003 for about $12.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the swim trainers immediately and return them to the company for a full refund. Swimways will provide consumers with a self-addressed envelope to return the product.

Consumer Contact: Consumers should contact Swimways at (800) 889-7946 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the company's Web site at www.swimways.com