Over 5.2 million pools sold across the U.S. and Canada are under recall after reports of nine deaths
The recall covers a range of Bestway, Intex Recreation, and Polygroup pools that were sold by major retailers as far back as 2002. According to Monday notices published by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, these pools have compression straps running along the outside of the product – which may create a foothold for small children and allow them to access the water unattended. That can pose a serious drowning risk, the safety regulators warn. To date, the CPSC believes nine children across the US have drowned after gaining access to these now-recalled pools in this way. Those deaths occurred between 2007 and 2022, involving children between the ages of 22 months and 3 years old. No additional fatalities have been reported in Canada.
Consumers in possession of these pools are urged to immediately contact Bestway, Intex, and/or Polygroup to receive a free repair kit – which will consist of a rope to replace the compression strap. Owners of these pools should otherwise ensure that small children cannot access the pool without supervision, regulators note – and could alternatively drain the pool until the repair is made. All of the pools being recalled are 48 inches or taller – and can be identified by brand and model names listed on both the CPSC and Health Canada's recall notices.
Sales of the pools ranged by model and location but date as far back as 2002 and as recently as 2025. About 5 million of these now-recalled pools were sold across the US – including both online and in-stores at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Lowes, Costco, and Amazon. Another 266,000 were sold in Canada.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Arabiya
3 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
World economies reel from Trump's tariffs punch
Global markets reeled Friday after President Donald Trump's barrage of tariffs against nearly all US trading partners, as governments looked down the barrel of a seven-day deadline before higher duties take effect. Trump announced late Thursday that dozens of economies, including the European Union, will face new tariff rates of between 10 and 41 percent. However, implementation will be on August 7 rather than Friday as previously announced, the White House said. This gives governments a window to rush to strike deals with Washington under more favorable conditions. Neighboring Canada, one of the biggest US trade partners, was hit with 35 percent levies—up from 25 percent—effective Friday, though wide-ranging current exemptions remain in place. The tariffs are a demonstration of raw economic power that Trump sees as putting US exporters in a stronger position, while encouraging domestic manufacturing by keeping out foreign imports. But the muscular approach has raised fears of inflation and other economic fallout in the world's biggest economy. Stock markets in Hong Kong, London, and New York slumped as they digested the turmoil, while weak US employment data added to the concerns. Trump's actions come as debate rages over how best to steer the US economy, with the Federal Reserve this week deciding to keep interest rates unchanged despite massive political pressure from the White House to cut. Data released Friday showed US job growth missing expectations for July, while unemployment ticked up to 4.2 percent from 4.1 percent. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 dropped 1.6 percent, while the Nasdaq tumbled 2.2 percent. Political goals Trump raised duties on around 70 economies from a 10 percent level imposed in April, when he unleashed 'reciprocal' tariffs citing unfair trade practices. The new, steeper levels listed in an executive order vary by trading partner. Any goods 'transshipped' through other jurisdictions to avoid US duties would be hit with an additional 40 percent tariff, the order said. But Trump's duties also have a distinctly political flavor, with the president using separate tariffs to pressure Brazil to drop the trial of his far-right ally, former president Jair Bolsonaro. He also warned of trade consequences for Canada, which faces a different set of duties, after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. In targeting Canada, the White House cited its failure to 'cooperate in curbing the ongoing flood of fentanyl and other illicit drugs'—though Canada is not a major source of illegal narcotics. By contrast, Trump gave more time to Mexico, delaying for 90 days a threat to increase its tariffs from 25 percent to 30 percent. However, exemptions remain for a wide range of Canadian and Mexican goods entering the United States under an existing North American trade pact. Carney said his government was 'disappointed' with the latest rate hike, but noted that with exclusions, the US average tariff on Canadian goods remains one of the lowest among US trading partners. 'Tears up' rule book With questions hanging over the effectiveness of bilateral trade deals struck—including with the EU and Japan—the outcome of Trump's overall plan remains uncertain. 'No doubt about it—the executive order and related agreements concluded over the past few months tears up the trade rule book that has governed international trade since World War II,' said Wendy Cutler, senior vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute. On Friday, Trump said he would consider distributing a tariff 'dividend' to Americans. Notably excluded from Friday's drama was China, which is in the midst of negotiations with the United States. Washington and Beijing at one point brought tit-for-tat tariffs to triple-digit levels, but have agreed to temporarily lower these duties and are working to extend their truce. Countries that managed to strike deals with Washington to avert steeper threatened levies included Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, and the European Union. Among other tariff levels adjusted in Trump's latest order, Switzerland now faces a higher 39 percent duty.
Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
Trump admits that firing the central bank chief would destabilize the market
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will 'most likely' stay in his position even as Trump sharply criticized the Federal Reserve's policies. In an interview with Newsmax that aired on Friday, Trump said he would remove Powell 'in a heartbeat' and said the Fed's interest rate was too high but added that others have said Powell's removal would 'disturb the market.' 'He gets out in seven or eight months and I'll put somebody else in,' Trump said. In a post on his Truth Socia platform earlier, Trump said 'Powell should resign, just like Adriana Kugler, a Biden Appointee, resigned.'
Arab News
11 hours ago
- Arab News
Why is the US easing sanctions on Myanmar's junta?
In a significant policy shift, the US last week announced the partial lifting of sanctions on Myanmar's junta. The new measures allow transactions involving Myanmar's central bank and certain state-owned enterprises, including Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise. The move came shortly after news that Myanmar's top general had written to President Donald Trump, expressing optimism for improved relations. US officials clarified there was no connection between the sanctions decision and the letter. Nevertheless, the timing and scope of the changes merit close examination, especially considering their impact on the ongoing civil war, the Rohingya crisis and broader regional dynamics. Myanmar remains locked in a violent civil conflict that erupted following the 2021 military coup. Resistance movements — including the national unity government and various ethnic armed groups — have gained significant momentum across the country. The military regime has responded with airstrikes, mass arrests and the restriction of humanitarian access, particularly in contested areas. Against this backdrop, sanctions targeting Myanmar's central bank and the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise had served as a key element of international pressure, restricting the regime's access to foreign currency and limiting its ability to finance military operations. The easing of these restrictions comes at a moment when the junta is under increasing pressure on the battlefield and in international forums. Supporters of the policy change point to the need for humanitarian flexibility and concerns over unintended consequences in the region's financial sector. Several banks in Southeast Asia had reportedly begun derisking operations involving Myanmar, making it harder for aid organizations and third-party financial institutions to operate. The updated policy aims to mitigate those effects while continuing to target individuals and entities directly involved in abuses. The policy shift has important consequences for the Rohingya, who remain some of the most vulnerable people in Myanmar. An estimated 600,000 Rohingya still live in Rakhine State under conditions of extreme repression, while nearly 1 million remain in refugee camps in Bangladesh. Humanitarian agencies continue to report that access to food, medicine and aid in northern Rakhine is severely restricted. A recent report by the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK detailed the use of starvation as a weapon of war in Rohingya areas, with dozens already reported dead from hunger and lack of medical care. Lifting some restrictions on financial transactions with state-owned enterprises does not directly address this crisis, but observers hope it could open new diplomatic channels and enable greater international engagement on humanitarian access. It also comes at a time when international aid to the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh is declining sharply. With funding cuts and a deteriorating situation on the ground, any policy that could improve coordination or unlock new avenues of support is being closely watched by humanitarian actors. Any policy that could improve coordination or unlock new avenues of support is being closely watched by humanitarian actors. Dr. Azeem Ibrahim The easing of sanctions may also reflect evolving geopolitical realities. Myanmar sits at a crucial crossroads between South Asia, Southeast Asia and China. For years, Beijing has deepened its influence in Myanmar through infrastructure projects and strategic partnerships. Any steps that reduce Myanmar's economic dependence on China or open space for engagement with international actors may serve broader regional objectives. In addition, restoring limited financial access for Myanmar's central institutions could support nongovernmental and cross-border aid flows, allowing for greater humanitarian flexibility in areas not under junta control. A careful calibration of sanctions may be part of a broader strategy to preserve humanitarian space while maintaining pressure on the military leadership. Neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Thailand and India will be watching these developments closely. Bangladesh, in particular, is bearing the brunt of the regional fallout, hosting hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees for more than seven years. With international support decreasing and no immediate solution in sight, Dhaka has repeatedly called for renewed efforts to facilitate the voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar. If the policy shift from Washington signals a potential diplomatic opening, it could also reinvigorate discussions around the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other regional actors in supporting a political settlement. Malaysia and Indonesia have pushed for greater engagement on Myanmar within ASEAN, while other states have emphasized noninterference. A more flexible US posture could help bridge these differences and encourage coordinated regional approaches. The US decision to lift certain sanctions on Myanmar represents a notable recalibration of policy. While the full consequences remain to be seen, the move creates space for potential humanitarian and diplomatic gains. The civil war continues to evolve and new approaches may be needed to address the complex realities on the ground. Going forward, it will be important for Washington and its partners to maintain clear conditions and expectations regarding human rights, access to aid and political inclusion. By carefully managing this new phase of engagement, the international community can continue to support the people of Myanmar — including the Rohingya — in their pursuit of peace, dignity and justice.
