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Sportsstuff Wego Kite Tubes Withdrawn from Market after Reports of Deaths and Injuries

U.S. CPSCInjuriesJul 13, 2006
Recalled Kite Tube
Recalled Kite Tube

Photos from the official notice: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission · image rights

Hazard

A rider in the tube can become airborne, by pulling on handles attached to the floor of the tube. That could result in serious injuries.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately stop using the kite tubes and discard them. The firm is no longer in business. Remedy and contact information are no longer available.

Incidents & injuries

CPSC staff is aware of 39 injury incidents, with 29 of those resulting in medical treatment. Those injuries include a broken neck, punctured lung, chest and back injuries and facial injuries. Sportsstuff has received reports of two deaths in the United States and a variety of serious injuries. Sportsstuff has been unable to determine the cause of the incidents.

Product description

The Sportsstuff Wego Kite Tube is a 10-foot-wide, circular, yellow inflatable watercraft designed to be towed behind a power boat. A rider in the tube becomes airborne by pulling on handles attached to the floor of the tube. Model 53-5000 is printed on the tube near the product valve. The floor of the tube has black caution warning stripes. The cover for the product bears a skull and crossbones and the statement "Never Kite higher than you are willing to fall."

Sold on

Marine distributors, mail order catalogs, and various retailers from approximately October 1, 2005 to July 11, 2006 for about $500 to $600.

Contact the company

The firm is out of business. Consumers should call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).

What should I do?

Stop using the product and follow the remedy below. Contact the company for a refund, repair or replacement — recall remedies are free.

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