In this undated image provided by the CPSC, a child uses the compression strap to stand on above-ground pool. (CPSC via AP)
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CPSC/AP
NEW YORK — Over 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold in the U.S. and Canada in the past 20 years are being recalled following nine drowning incidents.
The recall affects various Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup pools sold by major retailers since 2002. According to notices from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, these pools have compression straps that could provide a foothold for children, leading to unsupervised access to the water.
This poses a significant drowning risk, with the CPSC reporting nine child drownings in the U.S. related to these pools. These incidents occurred between 2007 and 2022, involving children aged 22 months to 3 years. No fatalities have been reported in Canada.
Owners of these pools are advised to contact Bestway, Intex, and/or Polygroup for a free repair kit, which includes a rope to replace the compression strap. It is also recommended to prevent children’s access to the pool without supervision or to drain the pool until the repair is completed.
All recalled pools are 48 inches or taller and can be identified by brand and model names listed in the recall notices from the CPSC and Health Canada. Approximately 5 million pools were sold in the U.S., including online and in-store at retailers like Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco, and Amazon, with an additional 266,000 sold in Canada.
