FYI on possible danger in Yo-Yo water ball toys

[Dan Murphy]

Just an FYI

MSNBC news item

 

[Pooh67_68]

Thanks for the link Dan.

 

[lindajo]

We had bad experiences with those things last year. First, DS3(at the time) hooked the "non ball" end around a doorknob, stretched it out, and of course it snapped back and hit him in the neck. (could have been an eye.) Left a red mark and many tears. Thought we got rid of all of them after that, but a few months later DS5(at the time) asked if he could help vacuum the couch. Gave him the nozzle, and then heard this horrible squeaking sound, followed by screams from DS5. Fortunately, he was just scared, because he had sucked up the water yoyo in the nozzle. Could not get it out, finally had to cut the hose, then tried taping it. Let me tell you, duct tape does not cure everything. Ended up buying a new vacuum cleaner. Pretty expensive for a $1.00 toy.

I would say that the first experience with DS3 would be enough to get the things banned.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I know they pulled them from most regular stores (Walmart/Target etc) in a recall but I still see them in stores like the Dollar store, and boutiques-

I dont know if Walmart voluntarily pulled them or its was a goverment recall but we havent had them for 6+ months

-em

 

[BWVDenise]

We threw them away after one wrapped around my ds's neck and another one broke open and sprayed the contents into my dd's friend's eyes.
Very dangerous toy!

 

[philaround]

Thanks for the heads up Dan. I almosy bought one of these things for my grandson a week or two ago. Glad I changed my mind.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Last September, the product safety commission issued a statement, but not a ban or recall, about the toy. It stated the toy had a "low but potential risk for strangulation" if swung above a child's head like a lasso. It recommended concerned parents either cut the cord off the toy or throw it away.

(a quote from the article)

Not being a parent, and also having never owned one of these toys, I wonder how this is different from a lot of other toys? A regular yo-yo could do the same thing, could it not?

 

[kilee]

My son bought one last month at the MCO airport. Then we got laid over for quite a few hours at JFK due to a snow storm. When I was talking to my mother-- I turned and looked-- appearantly the water yo-yo had sprung a leak. My son was squirting the water at unsuspecting passer-byer's in the middle of the airport. I threw that away in short order.

 

[Kallison]

Thanks Dan -- never would have thought of that.