Dangerous baby pool floats found for sale on major online marketplaces

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 18:08 · Archive

Which? found 171 potentially dangerous baby pool floats for sale on Amazon, eBay and other online marketplaces.

Which? investigated baby pool floats sold on six major online marketplaces and found 171 products it described as potentially lethal. The platforms were Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, OnBuy, Shein and Vinted.

Many of the floats investigated featured canopies designed for shade, but Which? warned that these structures can become unstable in wind and overturn, risking drowning. Some products appeared identical to those covered by safety alerts from the UK government's Office for Product Safety and Standards. There are at least 14 government recalls for swim floats with canopies.

Which? found 25 products that resembled a float involved in the death of a two-year-old child in the United States. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled Relaxing Baby Swim Floats in April, warning they can flip or submerge infants underwater. Amazon's own AI chatbot recognised safety concerns in at least one product and warned against purchasing it.

The investigation also highlighted neck floats, which fasten around infants' necks and suspend them in water. Which? said these pose risks of drowning and suffocation, and can cause neck strain and injury. The Swimming Teachers Association has warned parents against using them.

How it is being reported

• Swim floats sold on Amazon may be putting babies at risk of drowningMore than 100 floats could be deadly.Metro · 16 Oct, 17:56
• Dangerous baby pool floats that could cause infants to drown being sold online, says Which?An investigation by the consumer champion found 171 of what it described as lethal products for sale on six online marketplaces - Amazon, AliExpress, eBay, OnBuy, Shein and VintedThe Mirror · 16 Oct, 00:08

In this story: Which? · Amazon · eBay · AliExpress · US Consumer Product Safety Commission · Office for Product Safety and Standards · United States

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