These water balls are getting popular. One of my question when I first saw it is – how do you get constant source of fresh air to breathe inside. Well, there’s no fresh air at all.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging consumers to stop using using these water ball since they pose risk of suffocation, drowning and impact injuries. Two incidents were reported so far in the US. In one incident, a child was found unresponsive after being inside the ball for a very brief period of time. In the second incident, the person inside the ball suffered a fracture when the ball fell out of the water into a hard ground.
The water balls are designed to be airtight so that no air can come in and out of the ball. Oxygen supply can be depleted inside the ball. No wonder, this amusement activity has a time limit. Those with pre-existing medical conditions heart and lung issues are advised not to participate in water ball activities.
These really looks fun for kids but there are risks involved when playing with the water walking balls. The risks are mostly factors that are beyond the control of your children like suffocation or a hard fall due to bumping with other water walking balls.