Assemblyman Joe Giglio (R,C,I-Gowanda) today supported legislation (S.5960A/A.9048A) that would prohibit the sale, importation, manufacturing or distribution of yo-yo waterballs in New York.

Yo-yo waterballs consist of a liquid-filled ball on an elastic cord with a small finger loop at the end that allows children to throw the balls, stretch the cord and bounce it back like a yo-yo. Since 2003, consumer safety agencies have received numerous complaints from parents reporting various injuries involving the toy, including strangulation, lacerations and eye injuries.

The New York State Consumer Protection Board has issued two warnings calling yo-yo waterballs a serious hazard to children. The second warning was issued after a five-year-old girl from the Rochester suburb of Pittsford was nearly strangled by the toy’s long elastic cord. Similar to other choking incidents involving yo-yo waterballs, the elastic cord became wrapped around the child’s neck after she had been twirling it above her head. The cord was wrapped so tightly that her father had to use a pair of scissors to cut the cord.

“I think it’s extremely important that we don’t overlook the potential dangers and risks associated with these seemingly innocent toys,” said Giglio. “I support this legislation because this toy clearly poses a danger to our youngsters and by keeping it out of toy stores and away from our kids, we are effectively protecting our children and families.”