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'Dive sticks' recalled
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June 24, 1999: 11:10 a.m. ET
Hasbro to repair 'Star Wars' lightsaber; infant carriers also recalled
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - In three actions aimed at protecting children from serious injury, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Thursday announced recalls of two widely used but dangerous toys, and two models of an infant carrier unable to keep babies from falling out.
In the fourth-largest recall in CPSC history, more than 19 million "dive sticks" used by children in swimming pools are being recalled because kids can fall on the toy and suffer serious injury.
Separately, the CPSC said Hasbro Inc (HAS) is offering to repair about 618,000 Star Wars Lightsaber toys because the spring in the battery compartments can dislodge, causing the batteries to overheat or rupture and resulting in possible burns.
And Evenflo Company Inc. and Hufco- Delaware Inc. are recalling about 327,000 model 075 and 080 Snugli Front & Back Pack soft infant carriers. The CPSC said small infants can shift to one side, slip through the leg openings of these carriers and fall.
Dive Sticks
More than 9 million of the 19 million dive sticks subject to the recall were marketed by Florida Pool and sold primarily at Wal-Mart (WMT) Stores nationwide. Another 2 million of the sticks were marketed by Poolmaster, whose name is imprinted on the stick.
In all, the CPSC said 15 companies are involved in the action - which offers consumers either a refund, replacement or repair depending on the way the stocks are made.
Warning that "these dive sticks are dangerous and should not be used," the CPSC said children can fall or land on a dive stick and suffer facial cuts and rectal or vaginal impalement.
Dive Sticks recalled
The CPSC knows of six impalement injuries and one facial injury to children between the ages of six and nine that occurred when the toys were placed in backyard pools or, in one case, a hot tub.
When dropped into water, the dive sticks sink to the bottom of a pool and stand upright so that children can swim or dive down and retrieve them.
Recalling the dive sticks could cost the 15 companies between $76 million and $133 million, based on the average price of $4 to $7 a piece. But CPSC spokeswoman Jane Francis said she expects most of the sticks will be thrown away by parents because they're relatively inexpensive.
CPSC urges anyone who is aware of injuries with dive sticks or needs more information about them to call its hotline at (800) 638-2772.
Lightsabers
In the Hasbro recall, two models are involved: the Darth Maul Double-Bladed Lightsaber and the Qui-Gon Jinn Lightsaber. There are three reports of minor burns to consumers, and one consumer reported experiencing eye irritation.
Lightsabers in question
The Lightsabers have been sold at discount retailers and specialty toy stores nationwide since last month - when the latest "Star Wars" movie was released - for between $20 and $30. Even though 618,000 Lightsabers are involved, the cost of the repairs will be "insignificant", a Hasbro spokesman said.
Hasbro is providing a free repair kit with instructions on how to install a battery protector. To get the kit, call Hasbro at (888) 690-6141.
Hasbro shares fell 9/16 to 44-1/4 early Thursday.
The CPSC said lightsabers now being sold carry a sticker reading "Now with battery protector," and are not part of the recall.
Baby carriers
In the case of the Snugli baby carriers, the CPSC said it knows of 13 reports of infants slipping through the leg openings of these carriers. One infant reportedly suffered a fractured skull and two infants received bruises in falls to the ground from the carrier.
The carriers feature a vertical strap that allow for adjustment of the seat height. Only carriers with the strap, and not other carriers with the Snugli brand, are affected by the recall.
Recalled carrier
The Snuglis were sold in retail stores nationwide between January 1996 and last month for about $40 each. Evenflo declined to disclose how much the recall would cost.
Consumers should call Evenflo at (800) 398-8636 to receive instructions on how to exchange their carrier for a free, new carrier with smaller leg openings.
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