Sportsstuff Wego Kite Tubes Withdrawn from Market after Reports of Deaths and Injuries
The 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.
Incidents reported: 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.
What to do now
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.
Contact: The firm is out of business. Consumers should call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).
About this recall
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."
Product photos
Photos: U.S. CPSC