Products Liability Law Daily Wrap Up, CPSC NEWS—BABY PRODUCTS—CPSC approves new safety standard for neck floats to prevent infant drowning, (Aug 25, 2025)

By WK Editorial Staff

“Neck floats have always been a suspect product, offering caregivers a false sense of security,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved a new federal safety standard for neck floats, which are aquatic toys designed for children up to four years old. Passed by a 2-0 vote, the new rule aims to reduce the risk of infant drowning and serious injuries associated with the use of these products. It will take effect 180 days after its publication in the Federal Register (CPSC News Release, No. 25-442 (Aug. 21, 2025)).

Neck floats are typically ring-shaped tubes that wrap around a child’s neck to keep their head above water while allowing their body to float. The new rule introduces mandatory performance and labeling requirements to address hazards such as deflation, underinflation, and restraint system failures, all of which can allow children to slip through the product. The rule also addresses the risk of children becoming submerged in water without slipping through the neck float.

The rule excludes life-saving flotation devices regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard, even if they attach to the neck. It specifically targets toy neck floats, which have been linked to 115 reported incidents between January 2019 and January 2024. These include two infant deaths and two hospitalizations. In many of the non-fatal cases, caregivers were able to intervene before drowning occurred. The victims’ ages ranged from 17 days to 12 months.

CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman stated, “This rule is consistent with CPSC’s mandate to protect the most vulnerable and gives us stronger tools to combat drowning — the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4.”

Safety tips. To further promote safety, CPSC advises caregivers to remain within arm’s reach of children using neck floats, follow age and weight guidelines, and inspect inflatable components for leaks before each use. Additional safety resources are available on the agency’s Pool Safelywebsite.

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