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CPSC Issues Warning on Water Walking Balls

April 13th, 2011
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued a warning to consumers to stop using water walking balls due to the potential risks of suffocation and drowning. An amusement attraction at many outdoor festivals, including air shows, water walking balls are very large (7 feet or more in diameter) see-through plastic balls. Customers step into the balls and then an air tight zipper is closed behind them. The ball, with the person inside, then rolls around in a pool of water. The CPSC has found that, because the product has no emergency exit and can be opened only by a person outside of the ball, there is significant risk of injury or death when a person inside the ball experiences distress. The CPSC also found that pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart, lung, or breathing issues, can be made worse by use of this product. CPSC has also said that it does not know of any safe way to use this product. For more information on this CPSC alert, click here.