5 million pools recalled after drowning deaths of nine children

In the United States, approximately 5 million above-ground swimming pools have been recalled due to a significant drowning risk that resulted in the deaths of nine children over a span of two decades. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission identified the recalled products as being 48 inches or taller, sold since 2007 by brands including Bestway, Coleman, Intex, and Polygroup. The tragic incidents of drowning occurred between 2007 and 2022, with affected children aged between 22 months and three years, and these fatalities were reported across states such as California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri. The pools were manufactured in China, featuring compression straps wrapped around the exterior supporting poles. These straps inadvertently created footholds for small children, enabling them to climb into the pools even when ladders were removed. The commission noted that it had come across incidents where children entered the pools utilizing the compression strap, raising alarming concerns regarding safety measures in place. As a precaution, the government has also recalled an additional 200,000 pools that were sold in Canada. To prevent such occurrences in the future, the CPSC advised consumers to reach out to Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup to obtain free repair kits. These kits include ropes intended to maintain the structural integrity of the pools by securing each support pole at the ground level. Furthermore, consumers are instructed to cut and remove the original compression straps to eliminate potential risks associated with unmonitored pool access by children. Prices for the pools range between $400 to over $1,000, making them a significant investment for families. Given the breadth of the recall and its implications, parents with information surrounding these products are urged to act quickly to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of their children around swimming pools.