Gov’t says ‘water walking balls’ are not safe
By JENNIFER C. KERR Associated Press
March 31, 2011
The government is warning people not to use those giant see-through inflatable spheres known as “water walking balls” because of the risk of suffocation or drowning.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says it “does not know of any safe way to use” the products, which are popular at amusement parks, resorts, malls and carnivals. They resemble hamster balls but are large enough for humans.
People climb into the plastic, airtight balls and then roll around _ or try to walk _ on water in pools, lakes or rivers.
The head of the commission, Inez Tenenbaum, says the agency wants to warn the public about the danger before someone is killed.
The agency is worried about too little oxygen in the balls as well as the buildup of carbon monoxide.
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