Recall: Inflatable Baby Floats Recalled by Kmart

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 8, 1998 Release # 99-006

Company Phone Number: (800) 63KMART CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Nychelle Fleming, (301) 504-7063

CPSC, Kmart Corp. Announce Recall of Inflatable Baby Floats

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kmart Corporation of Troy, Mich., is conducting a recall of approximately 114,000 "Splash Club" Deluxe Baby Floats. The seat of the pool toy can tear at the seam causing children to unexpectedly fall into the water and possibly drown.

Kmart has received one report of the float's seat tearing and causing a child to fall into the water. No injuries have been reported.

The Deluxe Baby Floats are vinyl and consist of an orange inflatable circular tube with a blue interior ring. Writing on the float includes, "Super Kiddie Float . . . INTRODUCES YOUR CHILD TO WATER . . . SPLASH CLUB," and has a picture of a dolphin jumping through a hoop. The packaging is labeled with UPC Code 016438897266 or 016438100267, and Kmart Code 372953-117, located just above the price.

Kmart stores nationwide sold the kiddie boats from September 1996 through August 1998 for about $6.

On August 13, 1998, CPSC and Kmart recalled approximately 90,000 "Splash Club" Deluxe Inflatable Kiddie Boats. The seat of these pool toys also can tear, causing small children to unexpectedly fall into the water and possibly drown.

Kmart received four reports of the boat's seats tearing and causing children to fall into the water. No injuries were reported.

The Deluxe Inflatable Kiddie Boats are vinyl and consist of an orange inflatable circular tube with blue handles and a seat in the middle. The boats also have an inflatable, clear plastic barbell with various colored balls inside attached to the front of the boat. Writing on the boat includes, "KIDDIE BOAT . . INTRODUCES YOUR CHILD TO WATER . . . SPLASH CLUB," and has a picture of a dolphin jumping through a hoop. The boxes in which the boats were packaged are labeled with UPC Code 016438897204 or 016438100205 and Kmart Code 372954-115.

Kmart stores nationwide sold the kiddie boats from September 1996 through July 1998 for about $10.

Consumers should immediately stop using these baby floats, and return them to their nearest Kmart store for a refund. For further information about this recall, contact Kmart at (800) 63KMART anytime.