Global Toy Safety Watchdog Group Lists Top 10 Risky Summer Hazards

World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) has issued a list of the 10 Top “Summer Safety Traps” as representative of the many different types of hazards parents and caregivers can avoid to safeguard children throughout the summer season.

Consumer Advocates Joan E. Siff, president, and James A. Swartz, a nationally known trial attorney and director, said the combination of warm weather and school vacation is an opportunity for children to enjoy the outdoors, but can also be a time for injuries. Summer months account for nearly half of all injury-related deaths to children, and hospital emergency departments will treat about 2.5 million children injured in accidents, they noted. W.A.T.C.H. believes awareness of some popular family activities with a track record of injuries and deaths could save lives and reduce injuries.

Water balloon sling shots. The watchdog group says users should beware of slingshots capable of forcibly firing water balloons with the potential to cause serious eye injuries. In addition, these types of toys could be choking hazards for young children. The organization also notes that some of the instructions for these toys can be unrealistic.

Lawn darts.These may pose a potential for blunt impact injuries.

Low riding toys, like Big Wheels. W.A.T.C.H. recommends avoiding driveways and roads where motorists may not see them or on pool patios where there is a risk of drowning. Helmets are also recommended using low profile riding tows.

Backyard, in-ground and above ground pools. The safety group recommends having multiple barriers of protection in place to prevent access and guard against accidental drowning.

All-terrain vehicles. The agency says children should avoid use of ATVs altogether.

Toys containing small parts. Detachable parts could pose a choking hazard to small children.

Baby pools, garden buckets and pool covers.The safety watchdog groups recommends draining water and turning over baby pools, garden buckets and pool covers so they can’t collect rainwater.

Backyard waterslides. Adults and teens using slides designed for younger children could risk severe injuries and even paralysis.

High powered water guns and guns with projectile ammunition. These types of toys pose serious eye injury risk.

Bounce houses and backyard trampolines. Besides the potential for injuries inside, multiple media outlets have documented Bounce Houses that became airborne. Trampolines have been associated with approximately 100,000 injuries per year, according to W.A.T.C.H.

Source: W.A.T.C.H.