|
Water Yo-Yo's Illegal in Illinois!
taken from ABC7 Chicago [http://abclocal.go.com/wls/news/060..._yoyo_ball.html]
State to ban sale of 'yo-yo waterball'
Illinois will be the first state to ban the yo-yo waterball. Since the toys first emerged in the US, hundreds of parents have been startled to find kids injured by the toys. One north suburban mom has been so vocal about what happened to her son, she got the attention of the governor.
Andrew is an energetic 7-year-old. What happened to him two years ago nearly took his life, and now it will change Illinois law.
"I got strangled and went to my mom. First, she thought I was playing, but then she saw that it was really around my neck," said Andrew Lipin, yo-yo waterball victim.
Andrew was playing with a yo-yo waterball. The heavy ball easily stretches out the rubbery cord. In Andrew's case, the cord wrapped around his neck.
"I just worked the thing up over his head. I wasn't able to break it because I couldn't rip it apart. He was left with strangulation marks and the eyes were bulging, the color from his face was gone," said Lisa Lipin, victim's mother.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has more than 400 complaints about the waterball, complaints about kids injuring their ears, cheeks, heads and necks. In 2003 the CPSC investigated the yo-yo waterball and issued a warning that "parents should use caution allowing children to play with this toy." But a recall was not issued.
That wasn't good enough for Andrew's mom. Lisa Lipin started a Web site for parents about the potential for injury with the yo-yo waterball. She lobbied local politicians to take action. The result: Wednesday, Governor Blagojevich is expected to sign a bill into law. The law would make it illegal to sell a yo-yo waterball in the state. Businesses caught selling the toy could be fined $1,000 for each violation.
"Hopefully, maybe this will be the domino effect, but this is what we're going to need to get the job done," said Lisa Lipin.
Both of Lipin's sons know all about the yo-yo waterballs. While they admit it is tempting to play with them, they know the risk to themselves and other kids.
"I think that's good, because at least the kids in Illinois that haven't bought them yet will be safe ," said Brandon Lipin, victim's brother.
Other states are looking at legislation. Lipin says the Illnois ban was a win, but her battle continues helping other parents in other parts of the country and informing local resale shops about to new law.
|
