Not to throw a wet beach blanket on your summer, but as outdoor activities increase and children have more vacation playtime, seasonal risks increase. During vacation season, COMBAT and the Maine Center for the Public Interest will focus on alerts, recalls, and tips dealing with summer safety. Here is our Memorial Day offering.

Aqua-Leisure Industries Inc. of Avon, Mass., has recalled about 90,000 “SunSmart” baby floats. The leg holes in the seat of the float can tear, causing children to unexpectedly fall into the water and possibly drown. There have been 12 reports of the float seats tearing and causing children to fall into the water, including four where children became completely submerged before someone was able to reach them.

The vinyl floats are packaged as “SunSmart” Baby Adjustable Sunshade Boats. They are blue and white circular tubes with a seat in the middle and a detachable protective sunshade, intended for children aged 6 to 18 months, and have pictures of purple crabs and colored fish along the top. “SunSmart” is printed across the front and the lettering “C/S” is molded on the valve.

Stores nationwide, including Target, K-Mart, Bed Bath and Beyond and Baby Central, sold the floats from August 2000 through September 2001 for $10 to $13. Consumers should stop using these floats immediately and contact Aqua-Leisure for a free replacement at (866) 807-3998 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.aqualeisure.com

Rose Art Industries Inc. of Livingston, N.J., is recalling about 188,000 cotton candy machines. The motors on these machines can jam and overheat, posing a fire hazard. Additionally, the heating unit can be activated without the spinner in place, presenting a risk of burn.

There have been 225 reports of the machines overheating including three reports of fire, one resulting in an estimated $2,000 in property damage and two of minor injuries.

The recalled cotton candy machines have either a blue or a purple base and a clear plastic cover. The words “The Real Cotton Candy Machine” are printed in a rainbow of colors on the base of the machine and on the packaging. The machines, made in China, were marketed for children ages 10 and up. Toy and discount stores sold the machines nationwide from September 2001 through April 2002 for about $27.

Consumers should stop using these machines immediately and contact Rose Art at (888) 262-4474 for a free replacement motor unit or visit the firm’s Web site www.roseart.com.

Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc., of Chicago, Ill. is recalling about 17,000 toy steering wheel attachments sold on strollers. The steering wheel can break away from its base, allowing the small plastic turn signal and horn pieces to come off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

The steering wheel was sold on Kolcraft’s Jeep Cherokee stroller model number 55120 and contain the model number and “MADE IN CHINA” on a sticker located on one of the rear legs. “Jeep” is written with yellow, raised lettering on the front of the steering wheel base. These toys were manufactured from January 2001 through February 2001. The manufacture date is listed below the model number on the rear leg sticker. Stores nationwide sold the strollers from January 2001 through May 2002 for $80-$90.

Consumers should remove the toy steering wheel on these strollers and contact Kolcraft for a free replacement steering wheel.

Call (800) 453-7673 between 8 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.kolcraft.com.

If you encounter any toys, recreational equipment, or other products you feel may pose a risk, write Forum and let us know.