The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that Sportsstuff, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska is voluntarily recalling about 19,000 ‘Wego? kite tubes, in light of recent injury accidents involving the extreme water sport device.
A 15-year-old Lake Orion girl was injured on July 9 while riding a kite tube on Lake Orion. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Department reported that she was riding a ‘Manta Ray? kite tube, not a Wego.
The CPSC is aware of 39 injury incidents involving kite tubes, with 29 of those resulting in medical treatment. Two deaths have also been associated with the devices.
The Wego kite tube is a 10-foot-wide, circular inflatable watercraft, designed to be towed behind a power boat. A rider becomes airborne by pulling on handles attached to the floor of the tube. The tubes retail for about $500.
Consumers are advised to stop using the kite tubes, and contact Sportsstuff at (866) 831-5524, to learn how to obtain free replacement products.
Visit www.sportsstuff.com for more information.