CPSCGeneral Alert
CPSC, Swimways Corp. Announce Recall of Swim Trainers
Published: September 10, 2003Recall ID: 03179Category: generalCountry: US
Reason for Recall / 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.
Product Description & Identification
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."
Affected Products
Sandy Claws Swim Trainers
Additional Source Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2003/CPSC-Swimways-Corp-Announce-Recall-of-Swim-Trainers- |
| Title | CPSC, Swimways Corp. Announce Recall of Swim Trainers |
| Images › 1 › U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/sandy-claws.jpg |
| Images › 1 › Caption | Recalled "Sandy Claws" Swim Trainer |
| Images › 2 › U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/sandy-claws-child.jpg |
| Images › 2 › Caption | Child using recalled "Sandy Claws" Swim Trainer |
| Hazards › Name | 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. |
| Injuries › Name | There have been seven reports of the body straps detaching and two reports of the seams splitting, though no injuries have been reported. |
| Products › Name | Sandy Claws Swim Trainers |
| Products › Type | Swimming Pool Items |
| Products › Category I D | 2159 |
| Products › Number Of Units | About 3,400 |
| Recall I D | 2433 |
| Remedies › Name | 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. |
| Retailers › Name | Specialty pool and toy stores nationwide and Internet retailers sold the flotation devices, from January 2003 through July 2003, for about $12. |
| Recall Date | 2003-09-10T00:00:00 |
| 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." |
| Recall Number | 03179 |
| Manufacturers › Name | Swimways Corp., of Virginia Beach, Va. |
| 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 website at www.swimways.com |
| Last Publish Date | 2025-06-20T00:00:00 |
| Manufacturer Countries › Country | China |