Recall: Aqua-Leisure Inflatable Baby Float Recall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 28, 2001 Release # 02-051

Aqua-Leisure Recall Hotline: (866) 807-3998 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058

CPSC, Aqua-Leisure Industries Inc. Announce Recall of Inflatable Baby Floats

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Aqua-Leisure Industries Inc., of Avon, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 90,000 "SunSmart" baby floats. The leg holes in the seat of the float can tear, causing children to unexpectedly fall into the water and possibly drown.

Aqua-Leisure and CPSC have received 12 reports of the floats' seats tearing and causing children to fall into the water. There were four incidents of children becoming completely submerged before a caregiver was able to reach them. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled floats are packaged as "SunSmart" Baby Adjustable Sunshade Boats. The baby floats are blue and white circular tubes with a seat in the middle, and a detachable protective sunshade. The vinyl floats, intended for ages 6 months to 18 months, have pictures of purple crabs and various colored fish along the top. The word, "SunSmart" is printed across the front of the float. The recalled boats can be identified by the lettering "C/S" molded on the valve.

Juvenile products, specialty and discount department stores nationwide, including Target, K-Mart, Bed Bath and Beyond and Baby Central, sold the baby floats from August 2000 through September 2001 for between $10 and $13.

Consumers should stop using these recalled floats immediately and contact Aqua-Leisure for a free replacement. Consumers can contact Aqua-Leisure at (866) 807-3998 between 9 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's web site at www.aqualeisure.com.