CPSC, Swimways Corp. Announce Recall of Swim Trainers

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 stories 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.