January 27, 2004

By: Art Rowe
Website: http://www.1st-in-toys.com

Some Inflatable Water Toys are not Fully Compliant with Product Safety Regulations

During the Summer months, inspectors from the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs carried out a survey into the safety of items intended to be used in the water by children and adults. This initiative was undertaken in conjunction with the Irish Water Safety Association.

Inspectors visited a total of 118 premises located in 15 seaside resorts, nationwide were visited. Almost 1000 items were checked. Of this, 18 items were found not to be compliant with the product safety legislation. These breaches were of a technical nature or related to the lack of proper safety warnings. No items were found which presented a serious safety risk. All of the non-compliant cases were followed up. Three items involving the lack of safety warnings are still under investigation. The items are a child’s water ring, a body board for adults and a dolphin shaped floatation device. The traders in the meantime have removed the items from sale.

The Chief Executive of the Irish Water Safety Association Comdr. John Leech, commenting on the findings attributed the fact that Ireland had no recorded fatalities this summer arising from the use of inflatable toys, to the joint co-operation between ODCA and the Irish Water Safety Association working together on this aspect of drowning prevention.

The Director of Consumer Affairs, Carmel Foley also welcomed the findings. It is encouraging to learn that producers and distributors are taking a more responsible approach to product safety by placing on the market, items which comply with the relevant safety standards.

We cannot be complacent, however, when it comes to water safety and the safety of products used by holiday makers at the seaside. It is my intention to undertake a similar project next year to ensure that the lives of consumers will not be put at risk when using inflatable water devices.

Also see: water powered toys

About The Author:

Art Rowe is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-toys.com.  Find all the toys you wish you had as a kid. Fun and educational toys found here.