Recall: Water Rocket Toys Recalled by Spin Master Toys

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 22, 2001 Release # 01-158

Firm Recall Hotline: (800) 622-8339 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Nychelle Fleming, (301) 504-7063 Spin Master Toys Media Contact: Harold Chizick, (416) 364-6002 Ext. 255

CPSC, Spin Master Toys Announce Recall of Water Rocket Toys

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Spin Master Toys, of Ontario, Canada, is voluntarily recalling about 108,000 Splash Blast Water Rockets. The rockets, once propelled from launcher, can fly rapidly in unpredictable directions, and can hit and injure children.

Spin Master Toys has received five reports of the rockets striking children, including a report of a child being hit by the rocket in the head.

The rockets have a transparent blue plastic body with a red soft foam nose and blue or yellow rocket fins. Each rocket comes with a color coordinated launcher that attaches to a garden hose. The rocket is powered by water and air. A label on the front of the rocket launcher reads in part, "SPLASH BLAST WATER ROCKET," "CAUTION STAY CLEAR OF ROCKET DURING LAUNCH." Imprinted on the base of the rocket launcher is the month, day and year code that reads MM/DD/YYYY followed by the letters AC. This recall includes rockets manufactured up to March 17, 2001 (03172001AC).

Major department stores, wholesale clubs and specialty stores, including Wal Mart, Toys R US, and Costco nationwide sold the rockets from January 2001 through March 2001 for about $20.

Consumers should stop using the recalled water rocket toys immediately and call Spin Master Toys at (800) 622-8339 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a replacement rocket. Consumers also can visit the firm's web site at www.spinmaster.com.