CPSC recall · Reported September 10, 2003
CPSC, Swimways Corp. Announce Recall of Swim Trainers
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.
Swimways Corp., of Virginia Beach, Va. recalled The recalled "Sandy Claws" Swim Trainer is a red-and-yellow-colored fabric crab with eigh….
CPSC, Swimways Corp. Announce Recall of Swim Trainers was recalled by Swimways Corp., of Virginia Beach, Va. in September 10, 2003. Reason: The nylon body strap on the swim trainer can detach or tear from the flotation device and release a child int…. Remedy: Consumers should stop using the swim trainers immediately and return them to the company …. Verify recall #03179 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Swimways Corp., of Virginia Beach, Va. issued this CPSC recall-The nylon body strap on the swim trainer can detach or tear from the flotation device and release a child int….
- None
- agency class
- September 10, 2003
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #03179 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Medical Devices recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 41,021 medical devices recalls on record
Product 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."
Reason for recall
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, what to do
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.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Not classified by agency |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 03179 |
| Date reported | September 10, 2003 |
| Date initiated | September 10, 2003 |
| Recalling firm | Swimways Corp., of Virginia Beach, Va. |
| Affected scope | About 3,400 |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Consumers should stop using the swim trainers immediately and return them to the company for a full refund. Swimways will provide…
- Check the recall number (03179) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
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Similar severity · nearest report date
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Similar Medical Devices · nearest report date
Same product category, closest by report date among other firms and states (deduped against the severity set).
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Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026