September 10, 2003
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.
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 or visit the company's Web
site at http://www.swimways.com/sandy-claws-recall.asp