The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has updated the mandatory safety standards for aquatic toys to protect better children using inflatable aquatic toys in and around water.
Deputy Chair of the ACCC, Delia Rickard said children were at risk of drowning if their inflatable aquatic toy suddenly deflated when air was released through the air inlet.
“The hazard increases if children use an aquatic toy unsupervised or rely on it as if it were a flotation aid or other life-saving device,” Ms Rickard said.
“The updated consumer standard maintains consumer protections and is an important reminder that parents and carers should only purchase safe, approved products that meet the requirements of the mandatory standard,” she said.
“Safety in and around water is of paramount importance to all Australians, especially young children.”
Ms Rickard said suppliers could now comply with either the latest Australian voluntary standard or the trusted overseas ISO standard.
She said key requirements of the mandatory standard were that aquatic toys must carry a warning statement; advertising material should not state or imply that a child would be safe if left unsupervised with the toy; and they must meet design and performance requirements for air inlets of inflatable aquatic toys.
“It is crucial for parents and carers to remember that aquatic toys are not flotation aids and are never a substitute for constant and competent supervision,” she said.
Ms Rickard said the new standard provided a transitional period of 24 months for suppliers.
