Group issues summer toy hazards

BOSTON (WPRI) - A Boston watchdog group famous for its "dangerous toys" list around Christmas time is now warning parents about the safety risks of some summertime playthings.

The group is called, world against toys causing harm, or W.A.T.C.H., for short.
They say that despite new laws designed to protect children some toymakers still are not doing enough, to warn about potential safety hazards.

Child safety advocates are warning parents about summer toys and summer hazards that can cause serious injuries.

"Nearly half of all injury-related deaths to children happen in the summer and can be prevented," said Joan Siff of W.A.T.C.H.

High-powered water guns are just one example of a potentially dangerous summer toy. And warning labels are not easy to find.

"We can't assume that just because an item is on the shelf, it's gonna be safe, it's gonna protect our children adequately, because it very well may not," said James Schwartz of W.A.T.C.H.

A new law that beefs up product safety standards went into effect this past February but these advocates say the best way to protect children is vigilance.

W.A.T.C.H. says the best way for parents to protect their kids is to search for warning labels on all their toys and read the fine print.

Click here to learn more about summer hazards for children.