• 5.2 million above-ground pools recalled due to drowning risk.
• Nine children have died in incidents linked to the pools since 2007.
• The recall covers pools manufactured by Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup.
• Consumers advised to secure pools and request free repair kits.
• Compression straps may allow children to access the water unattended.

Approximately 5.2 million above-ground swimming pools are being recalled due to safety concerns after the drowning deaths of nine children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that these fatalities occurred between 2007 and 2022, involving toddlers aged 22 months to 3 years. The pools, manufactured in China and sold by brands including Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup, feature compression straps that pose an inherent danger, allowing children to gain access even when ladders are removed, leading to drowning risks. These tragic incidents took place across multiple states, including California, Texas, Florida, and Missouri, according to CBS News, The Hill, and SFGate.

The recall encompasses all pools taller than 48 inches that were sold at various major retailers, including Walmart and Amazon, noting potential hazards linked to the design of the compression straps. "The compression strap that surrounds the outside of the pool legs may create a foothold, allowing a child access to the pool," the CPSC reported. In addition to the nine confirmed deaths, there have been reports of three other incidents where children accessed the pools, although these did not result in fatalities. Consumers with affected pools are urged to contact the manufacturers for a free repair kit to replace the hazardous straps with safer alternatives, as outlined in notices from Los Angeles Times and NPR.

The CPSC emphasizes that approximately 87% of childhood drowning deaths occur in home pools, making safety measures critical. Parents are reminded that the removal of a ladder does not guarantee safety as children may still find ways to enter the pool. Experts suggest implementing additional protective measures, including isolation fencing, to prevent access, as highlighted by safety design consultant Dennis Brickman, as reported by Los Angeles Times.