Igloo Elite Cooler Recall: Details

Moms.com

After A Child Was Trapped Inside A Cooler A Nationwide Recall Was Issued

By Joanna Mazewski

Published Mar 18, 2019

Igloo issued a safety alert and recall of four of their coolers after the close call of a child who became trapped inside one.

A child’s close call after getting trapped inside a cooler has prompted a nationwide recall from Igloo. The company is now recalling their Elite coolers after a 5-year-old Florida toddler was locked inside. The igloos are sold at West Marine retail locations.

Nicholas Wanes thought it would be a good idea to play hide-and-go-seek by climbing into an open cooler in his family’s backyard. The moment he got in, the lid closed and he was locked inside. The young boy panicked and screamed for his mother and father. His parents both heard his screams and managed to get him out of the cooler before it was too late. The entire scene was caught on the family’s security camera.

Nicholas’ father, Robert Wanes, shared the clip on his Facebook account and posted a message of what happened, encouraging parents to be aware of the stainless steel latch and how it can easily trap a boy like Nicholas inside. So far the clip has garnered about 26,000 views.

"So we always see the good stuff and although this story ended well, hopefully there is something to be learned," Wanes wrote in the post. "My son Nicholas got locked inside an igloo cooler. He was playing by himself and thought it was a good idea."

After the incident, Igloo issued a safety alert, encouraging parents to be mindful, especially if they have young children at home. The voluntary recall identifies four different coolers that have eight models and item numbers. The company said in their safety alert that the stainless-steel latch could close and potentially lock a person inside the cooler.

The items included in the recall are:

Igloo Marine Elite 72 quart; Item #00049375
Igloo Marine Elite 54 quart; Item #00049374
Igloo Marine Elite 94 quart; Item #00049574
Igloo Marine Elite 110 quart; Item #00034108
Igloo Marine Elite 72 quart; Item #00044476 (West Marine)
Igloo Marine Elite 128 quart; Item #00044479 (West Marine)
Igloo Marine Elite 94 quart; Item #00044478 (West Marine)
Igloo Marine Elite 162 quart; Item #00044480 (West Marine)

The company went on to say that they stand behind the quality of their products, adding that safety and satisfaction are two of their top priorities. Latch-replacement kits have already been sent to some customers.

Those who haven’t received one, or if you have any additional comments, questions or concerns, consumers can call Igloo directly at 866-509-3503.