A hidden danger lurking in millions of American backyards has claimed the lives of nine toddlers over the past 15 years. On July 21, 2025, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a massive recall of approximately 5 million above-ground pools after discovering their compression straps create deadly footholds for unsupervised children.
The recalled Bestway, Intex, and Polygroup pools, sold at major retailers since 2002, all share a fatal design flaw. Their external compression straps, meant to provide structural support, inadvertently serve as steps that allow children as young as 22 months to climb into the water—even when ladders are removed.
A Preventable Tragedy
The nine drowning victims were all between 22 months and 3 years old when they died. These deaths occurred across California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Missouri between 2007 and 2022, painting a nationwide picture of danger.
“This recall highlights a fundamental failure in product design that has devastated nine families,” says Derek Pakiz, the nation’s presumptive foremost authority on drowning cases at the Reeves Law Group. With decades of supervisory and hands-on lifeguarding experience combined with his legal career, Pakiz brings unique expertise to these heartbreaking cases.
“What makes these deaths particularly tragic is how preventable they were,” Pakiz explains. “Parents removed the ladders thinking they’d made their pools safe, not realizing the compression straps created an alternate entry point for curious toddlers.”
The Scope of the Crisis
According to the CPSC recall notice, the recalled pools are 48 inches or taller and have been sold at Walmart, Target, Amazon, Costco, and other major retailers. Prices ranged from $400 to over $1,000, making them popular choices for families seeking affordable summer fun.
The CPSC also knows of three additional incidents in 2011 and 2012 where children who accessed pools had previously used the compression straps to enter. This pattern shows the design flaw wasn’t an isolated problem but a systemic safety failure.
“In my experience handling drowning cases, seemingly minor design oversights can have catastrophic consequences,” notes Pakiz, who serves as a distinguished attorney at the Reeves Law Group. “Pool manufacturers have a responsibility to anticipate how children might interact with their products.”
Understanding the Legal Landscape
Drowning remains a leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, with residential pools accounting for the majority of incidents. California law requires property owners and manufacturers found guilty of negligence to pay reasonable settlements in wrongful death suits.
“These cases are complex because they involve product liability, premises liability, and often regulatory compliance issues,” Pakiz explains. His unique background as both a lifeguard supervisor and boat owner gives him insights other attorneys might miss.
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act sets federal standards for pool safety, while California enforces additional regulations through its Swimming Pool Safety Act. “Navigating these regulatory landscapes requires specialized knowledge,” Pakiz notes, emphasizing why families need experienced legal representation.
Taking Action Now
Owners of recalled pools should immediately contact manufacturers for free repair kits containing replacement ropes. Until repairs are completed, the CPSC urges draining pools or ensuring constant adult supervision.
“Don’t wait,” Pakiz warns. “I’ve seen too many families think their supervision is enough, only to face tragedy in the seconds it takes to answer a phone or grab a towel.”
Pakiz’s firm has recovered over $250 million for clients and been recognized by Newsweek as one of the top 10 personal injury firms. His strategic approach to drowning cases has yielded notable success across diverse incidents.
“Every pool owner should check their model against the recall list today,” he emphasizes. “Five minutes of prevention could save a child’s life.”
As summer continues and families seek relief from the heat, this recall serves as a sobering reminder. Pool safety requires more than removing ladders—it demands vigilant attention to every potential hazard, no matter how unlikely it might seem.
