The helpful folks at World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc. or WATCH, have done their diligent job once again to inform the public of what toys do avoid this summer.  If you recognize the name, it may be from WATCH’s annual 10 Most Dangerous Toys list that they release around the holiday season.  Unlike Santa, the organization patrols the toy stores year-round and here’s what they recommend you dodge while searching for summer fun.  In their press release, WATCH detailed the following info of the 10 most dangerous summer toys of 2108…

1. WATER BALLOON SLINGSHOTS – Water balloon slingshots, popular for warm weather play, pose the potential dual threat for projectile eye injuries and small part hazards for young children.
2. LAWN DARTS – Topping this year’s list of backyard fun that could take a serious turn is the new generation of lawn darts. Beware, these blunt bottomed lawn darts, intended to be thrown during use in outdoor games, could potentially lead to blunt force head injuries.
3. LOW RIDING WHEELED TOYS – Big wheels and similar plastic tricycles, designed low to the ground, are potentially hazardous for outdoor use. Their low profile makes them particularly difficult for motorists to see in driveways and near roads. Additionally, when riding near pools, children have died when falling from riding toys into pools.
4. BACKYARD IN-GROUND and ABOVE-GROUND POOLS – The number of children that drown in backyard pools each summer highlights the importance of raising awareness about water safety. Checking water safety measures at home is an important way to kick-off the summer. It takes just moments for an accident to happen. Beware of safety traps near pools. Young children can drown after scaling ladders or other objects stored near above-ground pools.
5. ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES (ATVs) – Before summer was even officially underway this year, many ATV-related injuries were reported for both children and adults. Children should not operate ATV vehicles. Families should know the facts before deciding whether or not to allow children to ride as passengers in ATVs which have been associated with high crash rates and have been prone to overturning. This activity, popular in many states, has been associated with often devastating injuries including chest, head and internal traumas.
6. TOYS WITH SMALL PARTS – Recently there have been numerous recalls addressing the issue of toys with parts that can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. These hidden hazards, difficult for parents to identify at the time of purchase, must be prevented with better design and pre-market testing before they reach toy store shelves. Although a year-round concern, toys with small parts have earned a place as a summer safety trap due to the continuing volume of recalls from these types of dangerous toys. The above-pictured My First Porsche – Wooden Car was recalled (May 2018) because the wheels could detach posing a choking hazard to young children. Despite W.A.T.C.H.’s sustained efforts over the years, toys with small parts continue to put young children in danger. Recently a doll was purchased with a decorative ribbon headband that if detached could present a potential choking hazard.
7. SHALLOW WATER: BABY POOLS, GARDEN BUCKETS, POOL COVERS – Shallow bodies of water in backyards are often overlooked as water hazards for young children. Gaps in pool covers as well as sagging pool covers that can collect water may put children at risk of drowning. Baby pools are portable and convenient to assemble; yet the potential for serious injury is easily overlooked. Baby pools are often left filled with water without barriers to prevent access. Water in backyard baby pools and other containers, such as buckets and fountains, may be inviting to children but can potentially and tragically lead to drowning.
8. BACKYARD WATER SLIDES – Many teens may not know the serious consequences that have resulted from using backyard water slides that are designed for use by younger children only. These water slides, set up on the ground, have the potential to result in neck injury and paralysis if used by adults and teens.
9. HIGH-POWERED WATER GUNS AND GUNS WITH PROJECTILE AMMUNITION – High-powered water guns, replica guns with projectile “ammunition,” toy bow and arrows, and other toys that “take aim” can turn summer outdoor play into a serious matter when eyes are involved. Projectile ammunition, even foam darts and water streams, can lead to serious eye injuries. These products are often sold with inadequate or no warnings and without protective eye gear.
10. BOUNCE HOUSES and BACKYARD TRAMPOLINES – Backyard activities that are designed for children to jump and bounce can be an invitation for injury. Bounce Houses: Colorful, inflatable bounce houses are frequent staples at backyard birthday parties during the summer months. However, the inherent potential danger of a “toy” that invites children to jump and bounce in close proximity to each other is not worth the risk. In addition, there have been numerous reports of these bounce houses falling over or being blown away. In April, 5 children in South Carolina went to the hospital with injuries after a bounce house became airborne. Many similar incidents have led to injuries. Backyard Trampolines: Although popular among children and adolescents, backyard trampolines have been associated with potentially catastrophic injuries including fractures, cervical spine injuries and paralysis. Netting, padding and adult supervision have not prevented the numerous injuries relating to trampoline use and may provide a false sense of security. Trampolines are not toys and should not be used at homes.

ToySafety.org