Tag Archives: drowning

High Pressure Scuba Diving Hoses Recalled by Innovative Scuba Concepts, Trident Diving and A-Plus Marine

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Innovative Recall Hotline: (800) 472-2740
Trident Recall Hotline: (800) 234-3483
A-Plus Marine Recall Hotline: (800) 352-2360
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

High Pressure Scuba Diving Hoses Recalled by Innovative Scuba Concepts, Trident Diving and A-Plus Marine Due to Drowning Hazard

The diving hose can rupture reducing the available air supply to the diver, posing a drowning hazard.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: High pressure scuba diving air hoses

Units: About 2,590 total units: 1900 Innovative Scuba Concepts hoses, about 480 Trident Diving Equipment hoses and about 210 A-Plus Marine hoses

Importers: Innovative Scuba Concepts Inc., of Colorado Springs, Colo., Trident Diving Equipment, of Chatsworth, Calif. and A-Plus Marine, of Gulf Breeze, Fla.

Manufacturer: Li Chung Plastics Ind. Co. Ltd, of Taiwan

Hazard: The diving hose can rupture reducing the available air supply to the diver, posing a drowning hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The importers have received nine reports of burst hoses. No injuries have been reported.

Scuba air hose date code

Description: The recalled air hoses are black braided high pressure scuba air hoses. The hoses measure about one centimeter in diameter and vary in length from 6-inches to 40-inches. These hoses attach to the regulator first stage and are intended for use with the submersible pressure gauge (SPG’s) that indicate the air pressure in the scuba diving tank. These recalled hoses were sold under the Phantom and Mesh Flex brand names printed only on the product packaging. The air hoses have production date codes stamped into the metal fitting that attaches to the regulator with the following codes:

Innovative Scuba Concepts: 11Q3, 11Q4 and 12Q1
Trident Diving Equipment: T0811, T0911, T1011, T1111, T1211, T0112, and T0212
A-Plus Marine: 11Q3, 11Q4, and 12Q1

Sold at: Scuba diving retailers nationwide and on-line from August 2011 through August 2012 for prices ranging between about $40 and $50.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the hoses and contact Innovative Scuba Concepts, Trident Diving Equipment or A-Plus Marine to receive instructions for obtaining a free replacement hose.

Consumer Contact:

Innovative Scuba Concepts Inc. at (800) 472-2740 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday or online at www.innovativescuba.com and click on the Phantom High Pressure Hose Safety Recall button for more information.

Trident Diving Equipment at (800) 234-3483 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or on-line atwww.tridentdive.com for more information.

A-Plus Marine at (800) 352-2360 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or www.aplusmarine.comand click on the recall notice on High Pressure Braided Hose Safety Recall for more information.

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13029.html

In Home Danger: CPSC Warns of Children Drowning in Bathtubs, Bath Seats and Buckets

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CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

In Home Danger: CPSC Warns of Children Drowning in Bathtubs, Bath Seats and Buckets
More than 400 deaths estimated over a five-year period

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The danger of drowning for young children is ever present in and around the home. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4 years-old and it takes only a few inches of water for a young child to drown. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to look for and protect against drowning risks inside and around their homes.

A new CPSC report on in home drownings and non-fatal submersions in products such as bathtubs, buckets, bath seats, toilets, and landscaping features indicates that from 2006 to 2010, there were 684 incidents involving children younger than five-years-old. This figure includes 434 fatalities (an average of 87 per year), 233 injuries, and 17 incidents with no known injuries.

Eighty-two percent of the victims were younger than the age of two and 81 percent of the incidents involved bathtubs or bath related products. After pools, bathtubs are the second leading location where young children drown. CPSC’s analysis of the fatalities found that 92 percent of the incidents occurred in residential settings.

“Too many young children are drowning,” said Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “Just as with pools, I urge parents and caregivers to childproof their home and constantly supervise young children around bathtubs, bath seats and buckets. Taking extra safety steps at home can help prevent a tragic drowning.”

Of the reported fatalities, 28 percent involved a lapse in supervision, such as a parent or caregiver leaving the bathroom while the child was in the bathtub to answer the phone or door, or to retrieve a towel; in 23 percent, the child was left with another child, usually older; in 10 percent, the child was found in a product outside the home, such as decorative yard equipment or a bucket; and another 3 percent were found inside the home in a bucket/container or trash basket that was being used for cleaning.

CPSC’s drowning prevention safety tips include:
 * Never leave young children alone near any water or tub or basin with fluid. Young children can drown in even small amounts of liquid.
 * Always keep a young child within arm’s reach in a bathtub. If you must leave, take the child with you.
 * Don’t leave a baby or young child in a bathtub under the care of another child.
 * Never leave a bucket containing even a small amount of liquid unattended. Toddlers are top heavy and they can fall headfirst into buckets and drown. After using a bucket, always empty and store it where young children cannot reach it. Don’t leave buckets outside where they can collect rainwater.
 * Consider placing locks on toilet seat covers in case a young child wanders into the bathroom.
 * Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). It can be a lifesaver when seconds count.

To see this press release on CPSC’s web site, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12284.html

Atomic Aquatics Recalls Cobalt Dive Computer

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Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 270-8595
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983

Atomic Aquatics Recalls Cobalt Dive Computer Due to Impact and Drowning Hazard

The unit can leak and cause the lens of the computer to blow off suddenly, which could result in impact injuries, and can cause a gas leak, posing a drowning hazard.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Cobalt Dive Computer

Units: About 4,000 in the United States and 200 in Canada

Manufacturer: Atomic Aquatics, of Huntington Beach, Calif.

Hazard: The unit can leak and cause the lens of the computer to blow off suddenly, which could result in impact injuries, and can cause a gas leak, posing a drowning hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 23 reports of leaks caused by the lens being forcefully expelled from the computer due to excess air pressure inside the computer. No injuries were reported.

Description: This recall involves Atomic Aquatics brand Cobalt dive computers. These handheld, console-style dive computers have LCD screens and four magnetic control buttons located below the screen. A fitting at the bottom of the computer connects to the high pressure hose of a scuba diving regulator. The name Atomic Aquatics logo is imprinted on the front of the console, below the screen. The recalled products can be identified by the manufacture dates, which are determined by the first four numbers of the serial number with the first 2 digits signifying the week of manufacture (01 through 52) and the second 2 digits signifying the year of manufacture (10, 11 or 12). The dates of manufacture are between May 31, 2010 and April 16, 2012. Serial numbers, 2210-XXXX through 1612-XXXX, can be found by scrolling to the “System Info” screen on the computer.

The recall affects all Cobalt computers with serial numbers that start with any of the following numbers:

10 Series:   2210, 2910, 4010, 4710, 5010
11 Series:   1111, 1711, 2611, 2811, 3211, 3311, 3411, 3511, 3611, 3711, 3811, 3911, 4011, 4111, 4211, 4511, 4611, 5211
12 Series:   0812, 1112, 1212, 1312, 1412, 1612

Sold at: Authorized Atomic Aquatics dealers sold Cobalt dive computers from November 2010 through July 2012 for about $1200.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dive computers and return the unit to either an authorized Atomic Aquatics dealer or the Atomic Aquatics factory for inspection and repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Atomic Aquatics toll-free at (888) 270-8595 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or on firm’s website at www.atomicaquatics.com. Consumers can also email the firm at sales@atomicaquatics.com

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1685

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12286.html

Midsummer Drowning Checkup: 90 Child Drownings Nationwide since Memorial Day

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Midsummer Drowning Checkup: 90 Child Drownings Nationwide since Memorial Day
CPSC Chairman Calls on Parents, Caregivers to Follow Safety Steps and Support Pool Safely Day 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. – New information released today by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives campaign, shows that 90 children younger than 15 were reported to have drowned in swimming pools since Memorial Day.

According to media reports, an additional 106 children of that age required emergency response for near-drowning incidents. These incidents provide a sobering reminder of how a fun day at the pool can quickly turn tragic.

The figures show that young children and toddlers are especially vulnerable to drowning because 72 percent of the children reported to have drowned since Memorial Day were younger than 5 years old.

In light of this information, the campaign is encouraging water parks, municipal swimming pools and other indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities to celebrate Pool Safely Day, an annual event promoting water safety that encourages all Americans to pool safely every day. Participants from all around the U.S. will be participating in Pool Safely Day activities during the week of July 22-29, 2012. More than 70 facilities in 30 states have registered events with CPSC during that week. Events will range from free swimming lessons, to CPR training, to distributing Pool Safely information materials to parents and caregivers.

“Making sure their children learn how to swim is one of the most important steps parents can take,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “Swimming is a fun activity to help keep cool in the summer and it also can be a lifesaver.”

Texas had the highest number of drownings (13) in this time period with California, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania each reporting five drownings. CPSC’s latest submersion report (pdf) shows on average 390 pool or spa-related drownings occur each year for children younger than 15, based on statistics from 2007-2009. About 5,200 pool or spa-related emergency department-treated submersion injuries occur on average each year for children younger than 15.

“This information tells a heartbreaking story,” said Chairman Tenenbaum. “Behind each one of these incidents are grieving family members and communities. These are preventable tragedies, so we must continue to share the simple safety steps that parents and caregivers should take both before and during time spent in or near the water. That’s what we mean when we say America needs to learn how to pool safely.”

The Pool Safely campaign provides information on the simple steps that parents, caregivers and pool owners can take to ensure that children and adults stay safe around pools and spas:
* Stay close, be alert and watch children in and around the pool. This means never leave children unattended in a pool or spa; always watch children closely around all bodies of water; teach children basic water safety tips; and keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings.
* Learn and practice water safety skills. This means every family member should know how to swim and learning to perform CPR on children and adults.
* Have appropriate equipment for your pool or spa. This include fencing, a lockable safety cover, proper drain covers to avoid entrapments, and lifesaving equipment such as life rings and a reaching pole.

The Pool Safely campaign was launched in 2010 to raise awareness about pool and spa safety, as mandated by the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. This year, the campaign is increasing its focus on populations most at risk of drowning, including children younger than 5 years old who represent 75 percent of child drowning fatalities on average, and African American and Hispanic children between the ages of 5 and 14 who drown at higher rates than white children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data from USA Swimming indicates that 70 percent of African American children and 62 percent of Hispanic children cannot swim, making them especially vulnerable to drowning.

About Pool Safely: The Pool Safely campaign is CPSC’s national public education and information program to reduce child drownings, near-drowning and entrapment incidents in swimming pools and spas. The campaign resulted from the requirements of Section 1407 of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act), federal legislation signed into law in 2007, which mandated new requirements for pool and spa safety. Parents, caregivers, and the media are encouraged to visit PoolSafely.gov or @PoolSafely on Twitter for vital safety information regarding the prevention of child submersions in and around pools and spas.

To see this press release on CPSC’s web site, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12228.html

WRK Enterprises Recalls Edge and HOG Buoyancy Control Devices

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WRK Enterprises Recalls Edge and HOG Buoyancy Control Devices Due to Drowning Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Edge and HOG (Highly Optimized Gear) Buoyancy Control Devices (BCD)

Units: About 750 in the U.S. and 20 in Canada

Importer: WRK Enterprises dba Edge Dive Gear of Macon, Ga.

Hazard: The spring in the over pressure valve can corrode and break preventing the buoyancy control device from retaining air, posing a drowning hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None

Description: This recall affects Edge Freedom and Stealth models, and the HOG 32lb Wing model.

The Freedom is a jacket-style BCD made of heavyweight nylon. It is black and has a blue arch on the lower right side. The word “Freedom” is printed in white letters on the right front and the word “Edge” is located on a flap over the corrugated hose. Freedom BCDs with the serial numbers in the table below are affected. The serial number is printed on a tag that is located in the front right zipper pocket.
Edge Freedom BCD Serial Numbers
000524 to 000551
000553 to 000554
000773
000775 to 000873
000881 to 000890
000892 to 000911
000913 to 001001
001003 to 001022
001024 to 001103
001106
001125 to 001149
001151 to 001160
001162 to 001186
001188 to 001228

The Stealth is a back flotation-style BCD made of heavyweight nylon. It is black and gray with the word “Stealth” printed in white letters on the right-hand strap, and the word “Edge” on a flap over the corrugated hose. Stealth BCDs with serial numbers 000658 to 000697 are affected by this recall. The serial number is printed on a tag that is located in a small zippered pocket under the left weight pocket.

The HOG 32lb Wing is an oval-shaped, donut-style BCD made of heavyweight black nylon. It is designed for single-cylinder diving with a back plate or soft pack harness system. The HOG logo, a picture of a wild boar with the words “Highly Optimized Gear” and “HOG” inside an oval, is on the top strap of the device. HOG 32lb Wing BCDs with serial numbers 9042128 to 9042128 are affected by this recall. The serial number is inside a zippered compartment on a tag attached to the inner bladder of the wing.

Sold at: Authorized Edge and HOG dealers nationwide, and in Canada from May 2009 through October 2010 for $199 to $250.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the BCDs and return them to an authorized Edge dealer for a free spring replacement at no charge.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Chris Richardson at 1-888-370-3483 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.edge-gear.com

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1331

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11212.html

Sea Elite Systems Recalls Buoyancy Control Devices

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Sea Elite Systems Recalls Buoyancy Control Devices Due to Drowning Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Sea Elite Systems Buoyancy Control Devices (BCD)

Units: About 405 in the U.S. and 48 in Canada

Importer: WRK Enterprises dba Edge Dive Gear of Macon, Ga.

Hazard: The spring in the over pressure valve can corrode and break preventing the buoyancy control device from retaining air, posing a drowning hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None

Description: This recall affects Sea Elite Scout and Profile model BCDs.
The Scout is a jacket-style BCD made of lightweight nylon and is foldable. It is black with blue accents on the lower sides. The word “Scout” is printed in white letters on the right front and the words “Sea Elite” are on a flap over the corrugated hose. Scout BCDs within the following serial number ranges are affected by this recall: 001229 to 001244 and 001246 to 001489. The serial number is printed on a tag in the front pocket.
The Profile is a jacket-style BCD made of heavyweight nylon. It is black with blue on the lower sides. The word “Profile” is printed in white letters on the right front and the words “Sea Elite” are on a flap over the corrugated hose. Profile BCDs with serial numbers in the table below are affected by this recall.
Sea Elite Profile BCD Serial Numbers
000700 to 000729
000733 to 000763
000765 to 000772
000879
001490 to 001560
001562 to 001565

The serial number is printed on a tag in the front pocket.

Sold at: Divers Supply Store locations nationwide and online at www.divers-supply.com in Canada from May 2009 through October 2010 for about $199 to $250

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the BCDs and return them to an authorized Sea Elite Systems dealer for a free spring replacement at no charge.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Chris Richardson at 1-888-370-3483 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit the Edge Dive Gear website at www.edge-gear.com

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1330

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11209.html

CPSC Warns of Deadly Danger with Water Walking Balls

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to stop participating in a new type of water-related recreational activity, due to the potential risks of suffocation and drowning. The activity is called water walking and the water walking ball has numerous brand or ride names.

The fact that the product has no emergency exit and can be opened only by a person outside of the ball significantly heightens the risk of injury or death when a person inside the ball experiences distress. Pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart, lung, or breathing issues, can be made worse by use of this product.

An individual climbs into the large, see-through plastic ball; it is inflated with a blower through the zipper opening; and the zipper is closed, making the ball air-tight. The ball, with the person locked inside, then rolls around on a number of surfaces, including water, ice, or grass. The product is most commonly used by children and is used mainly as a ride in amusement parks, carnivals, malls, sporting events and other high-traffic areas. The product is also sold directly to the public for personal use.

Several states have banned or refused to provide permits for rides that use this product. CPSC is aware of two incidents involving this product. In one incident, a child was found unresponsive after being inside the ball for a very brief period of time, and emergency medical treatment was sought. In the second incident, a person inside of a ball suffered a fracture when the ball fell out of the shallow, above-ground pool onto the hard ground.

CPSC is warning consumers that there is a combination of risks associated with this product, including the potential for suffocation, as well as the potential for drowning and impact injuries. Because the ball is airtight, an inadequate air supply can result when oxygen is depleted and carbon dioxide accumulates inside the ball. Such a dangerous scenario can occur in as little as a few minutes. Because the water walking balls have no padding, impact injuries can occur if the balls collide with each other, or fall out of the pool onto concrete or other hard surfaces, such as ice or tile. These water walking balls are also being used on open water, creating the potential for injuries if the ball is struck by a boat or strikes a solid object, such as a buoy or pier. Additionally, the balls present a high risk of drowning if there is a leak or a puncture.

CPSC has informed state amusement ride officials of the risks associated with this product and encourages state officials not to permit this ride in their state. CPSC does not know of any safe way to use this product.

To see this press release on CPSC’s web site, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11185.html

Guardian Full-Face Diving Masks Due to Drowning Hazard

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Guardian full-face diving masks

Units: About 1,700 in the U.S. and 80 in Canada

Manufacturer: Undersea Systems International Inc. dba Ocean Technology Systems, of Santa Ana, Calif.

Hazard: The purge assembly on the diving mask can disengage from the regulator, resulting in loss of air to the diver. This poses a drowning hazard to the consumer.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of a disengaged assembly. No injuries have been reported.

Description:

Sold by: Diving equipment retailers and direct sales nationwide from September 2010 through November 2010 for about $800.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the diving masks and contact Ocean Technology Systems for instructions on conducting a test of the regulator and returning the masks for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Ocean Technology Systems toll-free at (877) 270-1984 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at www.otscomm.com. Consumers can also email the firm at recall@otscomm.com

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1299

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11180.html