Are you aware of the problems with infant flotation rings?

A drowning and serious injury have occurred with infant flotation rings sold by Otteroo Corp.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is recommending consumers should immediately stop using the LUMI and MINI infant flotation rings, as well as the discontinued Otteroo models: the Version 1, sold from 2014 to 2015, and the Version 2, sold from 2015 to 2018, said in a news release.

One infant died by drowning and one infant was seriously injured after slipping through an Otteroo infant flotation ring, the CPSC said. A six-month old died in 2020 in Maine. A three-month old was seriously injury in 2020 in New York.

The CPSC is aware of 68 incidents where infants slipped through the head opening of the flotation ring and required immediate rescue by a caregiver.

Otteroo has refused to agree to a recall.

Here’s what the Otteroo had to say about the two incidents, which the CPSC is required to include in its news release:

• Otteroo objects to the information in the press release. Otteroo neck floats come with thorough safety instructions and warnings which, if followed, will ensure safe use. 
• These warnings make it clear that neck floats are meant to be used under close and constant adult supervision. Like all inflatables, Otteroo neck floats are subject to damage, including holes which will result in deflation. It instructs parents to check for air leaks before each use because deflation can pose a drowning hazard if the adult isn’t within arm’s reach of the baby at all times. 
• While Otteroo is deeply saddened by the two events mentioned in the press release, it appears that in both incidents, the infants were left alone in the bath for an extended period of time. There are inconsistencies and limited evidence concerning whether Otteroo neck floats were directly responsible.

The CPSC evaluated the Otteroo infant flotation rings and found that they can deflate during use or storage, causing the child to slide out of it into the water, which can lead to serious injury or death.

The Otteroo infant flotation rings have been sold nationwide since January 2014 for between $24 to $40. They’re currently sold only on www.otteroo.com. Previously, the flotation rings were sold on Zulily.com and Amazon.com.

Don’t buy Otteroo infant flotation rings. If you already have one, don’t use it and dispose of it immediately. In addition, don’t resell or donate the Otteroo infant flotation rings.