CPSC, Swimways Corp. Announce Recall of Swim Trainers
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall (2003-09-10). Hazards: drowning. About 3,400 units in the US.
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
|---|---|
| Recall number | 03179 |
| Published | 2003-09-10 |
| Last updated | 2025-06-20 |
| Product category | Swimming Pool Items |
| Products | Sandy Claws Swim Trainers |
| Firm named in the title | Swimways Corp. |
| Firms | Swimways Corp., of Virginia Beach, Va. (manufacturer) |
| Manufactured in | China |
| Units (US) | 3,400 |
| Hazard classes | drowning |
| Remedy classes | refund, stop use |
| Sold | Specialty pool and toy stores nationwide and Internet retailers sold the flotation devices, from January 2003 through July 2003, for about $12. |
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."
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.
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.
Incidents and injuries
There have been seven reports of the body straps detaching and two reports of the seams splitting, though no injuries have been reported.
Machine access
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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice (US Government work). Not affiliated with or endorsed by CPSC. Structured by Data Foundry (product-recall-structuring@2); last changed 2026-09-28. Always confirm with the agency notice.