G500 Second Stage Regulators

CPSC Recall #97-151 — July 1, 1997

Recall Summary

Recall Number97-151
Recall DateJuly 1, 1997
Remedy Type

Where It Was Sold

These products were sold in diving specialty stores nationwide from March 1997 through June 1997 for around $300.

Product

G500 Second Stage Regulators

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Scubapro of Sturtevant, Wis., a division of Johnson Worldwide Associates Inc., is recalling about 1,800 G500 second stage regulators used in scuba diving. The VIVA control knobs on these regulators can detach during a dive allowing water to rush into the regulator, which could result in a diver drowning.Scubapro has received six reports of the VIVA control knob detaching from the regulator, two of which occurred during a dive. No injuries have been reported.The G500 second stage regulators involved in this recall have serial numbers less than or equal to 13497450. The serial number is located on the bottom face of the exhaust manifold.These products were sold in diving specialty stores nationwide from March 1997 through June 1997 for around $300.Consumers should immediately stop using G500 second stage regulators involved in this recall and contact their local, authorized Scubapro dealer to arrange for a free replacement of the VIVA control knob. All other questions should be directed to Scubapro at (800) 382-2211 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Under no circumstances should consumers dive with these regulators until they have been repaired.

Hazard

The VIVA control knobs on these regulators can detach during a dive allowing water to rush into the regulator, which could result in a diver drowning.

Incidents & Injuries

Scubapro has received six reports of the VIVA control knob detaching from the regulator, two of which occurred during a dive. No injuries have been reported.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a remedy at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (refund, replacement, or repair) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.