SAN DIEGO — Over 5.2 million above-ground pools sold in the United States and Canada are being recalled after reports linked them to nine drowning fatalities involving young children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued the recall, which includes products from manufacturers Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup.
The affected pools, all at least 48 inches high, are equipped with external compression straps. These straps can inadvertently provide children with a foothold, granting them access to the water without adult supervision. Tragically, the nine reported drowning incidents occurred in the U.S. between 2007 and 2022, involving children between 22 months and 3 years old.
Mary Ann Downing, a representative from the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego, stressed the urgency surrounding drowning prevention. “Drowning can escalate quickly—within minutes it can become fatal,” she said, highlighting the swift nature of such tragedies.
Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death for children aged one to four. In San Diego alone, 23 children within this age group have lost their lives to drowning in the past eight years. “Hundreds more have been hospitalized,” Downing noted, underscoring the alarming frequency of these incidents.
To address this critical issue, safety experts advise implementing multiple layers of protection around swimming pools. Recommended measures include installing fences, utilizing safety covers, and setting up alarms. Additionally, early swim lessons and educating both children and adults about water safety are deemed essential.
Downing pointed out that adult supervision is paramount when children are near water. “Surprisingly, more drownings occur when children are not technically in their swim time. They often find ways to sneak out, which is why barriers are so vital,” she said.
Consumers who own the recalled pools are encouraged to reach out to the manufacturer for a complimentary repair kit. More detailed information about the affected brands and pool models can be found on the CPSC and Health Canada’s recall notices.
In response to the rising concerns about drowning incidents, the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego offers free resources, including group swim lessons, to help enhance water safety awareness. These efforts aim to significantly reduce the number of drowning cases in the community.
As summer approaches, it is crucial for families to prioritize safety measures and stay vigilant to prevent tragedies that can occur in or around water.