Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
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.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Swimways Corp., of Virginia Beach, Va. recalled The recalled "Sandy Claws" Swim Trainer is a red-and-yellow-colored fabric crab with eigh… - a moderate-severity action.
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 moderate-severity CPSC recall-The nylon body strap on the swim trainer can detach or tear from the flotation device and release a child int….
- Moderate
- severity level
- 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 CPSC action (record #03179) was formally reported on September 10, 2003. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Swimways Corp., of Virginia Beach, Va. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 3,400.
The documented reason for this recall is: 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. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: 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. - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 3 from CPSC - 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 - 40,322 medical devices recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
About 3,400
Related Recalls
6
3 from same agency
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 | Moderate |
| 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
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.". Recalled by Swimways Corp., of Virginia Beach, Va.. Units affected: About 3,400.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
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.
What should consumers 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.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on September 10, 2003. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 03179.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (03179) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.
Nearby Recalls in This Category
Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.
CPSC Moderate
Rowenta Recalls Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Fire and Burn Hazards
· 2026-07-02
CPSC Moderate
Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing Recalls Amana Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps Due to Risk of Serious Injury f…
· 2026-06-25
CPSC Moderate
Arizer Solo III Portable Vaporizers Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Risk of Serious Injury or Death; Imported by…
· 2026-06-18
FDA Devices Moderate
GE HealthCare TRADE IN CARESCAPE TELEMETRY SERVER ARK-2250L - NORTH AMERICA, REF #5697603-902, Product Code KSA; used i…
GE Medical Systems Information Technologies Inc · 2026-06-03
FDA Devices Critical
Medline kits containing Huons Co. Bupivacaine HCL in Dextrose Injection, USP, labeled as: 1) BLOCK TRAY, Medline Kit…
Medline Industries, LP · 2026-06-03
Compare this recall with Rowenta Recalls Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Due to Risk of Ser… →
Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported September 10, 2003. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.