#United States #Washington #Consumer Product Safety #CPSC #Infant Neck Float

New Safety Standards for Infant Neck Floats

On August 21, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) took a significant step toward enhancing child safety by approving a mandatory safety standard for neck floats. These aquatic devices, commonly used by children aged four and younger, have been implicated in multiple drowning incidents. The new federal regulations aim to mitigate the risks associated with these products, which are intended to keep infants afloat while engaging in water play.

Neck floats are designed as ring-shaped tubes that encircle a child’s neck, allowing their head to remain above water while keeping their body supported. However, the design presents several safety hazards, including risks of slipping through the product, restraint system failures, and potential submersion in water.

New Regulations and Requirements

The newly instituted standard mandates that all toy neck floats must adhere to rigorous safety benchmarks, specifically targeting the hazards identified in previous incidents. CPSC’s recent report outlined that from January 2019 to January 2024, there were 115 reported incidents involving neck floats, resulting in two deaths and serious injuries requiring hospitalization. Many of these incidents could have resulted in far worse outcomes had it not been for quick actions taken by caregivers.

To counteract these dangers, the CPSC’s regulations will enforce several key changes:

• - Performance Requirements: Neck floats must meet specific performance standards that ensure the safety of the child during use.
• - Revised Labeling: Enhanced labeling requirements will mandate clear warnings and instructions on the product as well as its packaging, informing caregivers of the potential dangers and appropriate use.
• - Implementation Timeline: This new regulation takes effect 180 days post-publication in the Federal Register, giving manufacturers time to adjust to the new standards.

Background and Statistics

The CPSC's Acting Chairman, Peter A. Feldman, stated, “Neck floats have always been a suspect product, offering caregivers a false sense of security.” This sentiment echoes the agency's ongoing commitment to safeguarding children, particularly as drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional injury fatalities among young children aged 1 to 4.

Notably, the CPSC has specified that life-saving flotation devices that are regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard and feature attachments for neck support are excluded from these new rules.

Recommendations for Caregivers

In light of the new regulations and ongoing concerns, the CPSC offers several vital pieces of advice for caregivers utilizing neck floats:

• - Continuous Supervision: Always remain within arm’s reach of the child and maintain visual contact to ensure their safety.
• - Adhere to Manufacturer Guidelines: Follow the specified age and weight thresholds designated on the product. For inflatable components, it's crucial to ensure proper inflation and check for leaks before each use.

For further resources on water safety and to protect infants around water, caregivers can visit the CPSC’s 'Pool Safely' website. Theing keeps kids and families safe by promoting responsible usage of floatation devices.

In conclusion, the CPSC’s decision marks a pivotal moment in child safety regulations for aquatic toys. By implementing these new standards, the agency is proactive in its efforts to ensure a safer environment for young children, aiming to decrease drowning incidents associated with neck floats.