Gary D. Finch

FINCH CALLS FOR BAN ON YO-YO WATERBALLS

Dangerous toys shown to cause strangulation or suffocation 

     Assemblyman Gary Finch (R,C-Springport) today announced that he is co-sponsoring bi-partisan legislation that will soon be introduced in the Assembly to protect children from dangerous yo-yo waterballs, which have been shown to cause strangulation and suffocation.  

     Yo-yo waterballs are a liquid-filled ball with an elastic cord attached to it with a small finger loop at the end that allows children to throw the ball, stretch the cord and bounce it back like a yo-yo.  Since 2003, consumer safety agencies have received numerous complaints from parents who have reported various injuries involving the toy. The majority of these complaints stem from a bungee cord attached to the toy that could be wrapped around the necks of children.  Lacerations and eye injuries are also among the injuries that have been reported.  This legislation prohibits the sale, importation, manufacturing, or distribution of yo-yo waterballs in New York State.         

      “Parents should not be deceived into thinking that these yo-yo waterballs are harmless toys,” said Assemblyman Finch.  “In fact, they are quite dangerous and should not be sold in this State.  We must keep these hazardous toys out of the hands of our children.”

     According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, since December 2002, yo-yo waterballs were responsible for 400 reported health incidents, 290 of which were classified as causing suffocation or strangulation.  Recently, a five-year-old girl from the Rochester area was nearly strangled by the toy’s long elastic cord.  The New York State Consumer Protection Board has issued two warnings calling the toy a serious hazard to children.  The Board tested the liquid contents of the toy and discovered that it has a strong gasoline odor.

     “The legislative process can take some time,” said Finch.  “In the meantime, I call on toy stores, supermarkets, and other retailers that carry this dangerous toy to immediately remove them from store shelves.  The safety of our children cannot wait.”

     To date, yo-yo waterballs have been banned in Illinois, and Massachusetts and New Jersey have issued warnings concerning the threat posed to children. 

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