Experts have issued an urgent warning to parents over hundreds of potentially dangerous swim floats being sold by major online marketplaces.
Investigators from Which? found 171 questionable floats on sites including Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Shein, OnBuy and Vinted.
Many featured canopies that can act like sails in windy conditions, increasing the risk of tipping over and trapping babies underwater.
Meanwhile others use inflatable neck rings that experts say pose drowning, suffocation and injury risks.
Which? even found that Amazon's own AI shopping assistant warned against buying one float because of 'significant safety concerns' and its similarity to recalled products.
‘Babies’ lives are potentially at risk because online marketplaces continue to operate what we see as an irresponsible business model that allows anonymous third-party sellers to list almost anything and face no consequences,’ Sue Davies, Which? head of consumer protection policy, said.
‘We’ve seen time and again that they will not do enough to prevent the sale of unsafe products unless they are forced to.’
Some floats feature inflatable neck rings that experts say pose drowning, suffocation and injury risks
Many of the floats feature canopies that can act like sails in windy conditions, increasing the risk of tipping over and trapping babies underwater
For the investigation, Which? identified baby swim floats that had been subject to safety alerts in the UK and overseas, then searched six major online marketplaces using reverse-image searches and key terms to find similar products still being sold.
They found 171 potentially dangerous floats, including dozens resembling recalled items linked to drowning risks.
While many parents might be enticed by a swim float that includes a canopy to provide shade, the experts warned that these can increase wind resistance.
In windy conditions, floats with canopies risk lifting or tipping over and trapping or drowning babies.
Another variation of dangerous baby floats involves inflatable rings that fasten around a baby’s neck.
These present a risk of drowning as they may place too much pressure on the infant’s neck and restrict normal movement or airway positioning.
A further concern is that the toy-like design of these products could encourage complacency by parents around water.
For instance, a listing on eBay for a shark design float depicts a baby alone in the water in the float while the parents sit on sun loungers by the side of the pool.
Which? even found that Amazon's own AI shopping assistant warned against buying one float because of 'significant safety concerns' and its similarity to recalled products
The consumer group is urging the UK government to force online marketplaces to take greater responsibility for product safety and crack down on dangerous items sold by third-party sellers.
Kaylë Brightwell, Director of Education for the Swimming Teachers’ Association, strongly urged parents against using baby neck floats.
‘Baby swimming should be about creating safe, positive experiences in the water that encourage natural movement, confidence and, importantly, interaction and bonding between baby and parent or carer,’ she said.
‘Babies should be closely supported in the water at all times, with constant and active adult supervision.
‘Devices that support a baby by the neck do not align with this approach, and no flotation device should ever be considered a substitute for close adult supervision and physical support in the water.’
All of the marketplaces said they take product safety seriously and have removed the listings flagged by Which?, while also carrying out wider reviews to identify similar products.
Amazon said it was investigating how the items became available and noted that its safety controls require third-party testing and certification.
AliExpress, eBay, OnBuy and Shein said they had removed the products and were strengthening their monitoring and enforcement measures, while OnBuy said it had launched a recall and was offering affected customers refunds.
Vinted said prohibited products are not allowed on its platform and that it removes listings and suspends accounts when safety concerns are identified.
How to buy a safe swimming aid for children
Children of all ages should feel comfortable in the water, and some parents find that a swimming aid can help children with their swimming confidence. But what should you look for?
There are different types of aids including:
Infant pool floats: Inflatable pool seats may be an option for younger children, although any pool float poses the risk of tipping. If you do use a pool float it should be the correct size (eg the leg openings shouldn't be tight on the baby), shouldn't have a harness, and must be held by parents at all times during use. Do not use floats with overhead structures or that fasten around the neck.
Armbands: These are widely available and can help to build confidence. They must be the correct size for the child, and checked for leaks regularly.
Swim vests: There are two types of swim vests. One has consistent built-in buoyancy and the other has pads that can be removed to adjust buoyancy. These must undergo buoyancy testing, so buy from a reputable retailer or brand. Check the age range too, as the buoyancy level and size must be correct for your child.
Source: Which?