Hong Kong Customs alerts public on unsafe children’s swimming seats (with photos)
Hong Kong Customs today (August 21) alerted members of the public to five unsafe models of children's swimming seats. Test results indicated that the swimming seats could overturn and pose the risk of drowning to children. The public are advised not to let children use those swimming seats to ensure their safety.
Customs earlier received a referral from a related organisation that suspected unsafe children's swimming seats were being supplied in the market. Customs officers immediately conducted spot checks in various districts and test-purchased five models of relevant products for safety tests. Upon examination by a laboratory, it was revealed that the five models of children's swimming seats could overturn and pose the risk of drowning to children. None of them have complied with the relevant safety standard, thereby contravening the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (CGSO).
Customs officers later conducted an operation and seized 29 items of four suspected unsafe models of children's swimming seats from the sporting goods retailers and department stores concerned as well as the offices of their suppliers. Further items of the remaining model of children's swimming seat have not been found.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing and using inflatable swimming aids:
- Check for damage or leakage before purchasing and using the products;
- Read in detail the instructions for safe use of the products and the applicable ages;
- Children must be accompanied by an adult when using the relevant products;
- Adults should always pay attention to children's situations when using the relevant products; and
- Do not mistakenly use inflatable swimming products for lifesaving purposes.
Under the CGSO, it is an offence to manufacture, supply or import consumer goods unless the goods comply with the general safety requirements for consumer goods. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction.
Members of the public with information relating to unsafe children's products or consumer goods may make a report via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
