July 2009 Notable Toys — Water Activities

Submerge an Aqua Cannon just beneath the surface of a pool or lake. Then, grasping the two cutout handles, give it a quick pull backwards and out shoots a 1”-diameter geyser of water as far as 30 feet! You can splash unsuspecting sunbathers with a torrent of water, or try to hit other swimmers in mock battles. Or create contests to see who can shoot water the furthest, highest or most accurately. And never worry about breaking it; it’s practically indestructible and has no moving parts. Winner of a prestigious Dr. Toy Award. Comes in assorted colors.

— David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., told TDmonthly in early summer 2010 that his store sells about 12 Pump Rockets a month.
— In June 2010, five percent of 40 retailers named the Pump Rocket a top-selling gift for boys.

This iBaby Float Along set includes a book that teaches early-learning concepts and include three floatable turtle toys to serve as bath toys. The bath book teaches children all about opposites as the turtles float in the tub during bathtime. By Ana Martin Larranaga (illustrator).

The pockets are made from mesh designed for quick- drain.

Sold in the following sizes: Infant (20-30 lbs), Child (30-60 lbs), Youth (60-90 lbs).

Also available in Pink and Blue.

Specially contoured to hug little bodies, children will get the best fit, mobility and safety at the water's edge, or while swimming and boating. The only Children's vest that offers Ensolite soft foam for exceptional comfort.

Sold in the following sizes: Infant (20-30 lbs), Child (30-60 lbs), Youth (60-90 lbs).

The Salus Numbus just made waterplay safer for children and more relaxing for adults. Designed for comfort, the Salus Nimbus is soft to the touch, encouraging children to wear it for hours at a time. All PFD's float but they can't save lives when kids won't keep them on.

Sold in the following sizes: Infant (20-30 lbs), Child (30-60 lbs), Youth (60-90 lbs).

The award winning Salus Bijoux Baby Vest's unique design offers unprecedented security, safety and comfort for babies 9 to 25 lbs. The one piece front design ensures that the baby will turn face up from a face forward position. The 3 piece collar cradles the head when lifted by the collar straps or while the baby is floating on their back. Mesh harness and a short front provide enhanced comfort for sitting upright, lying down or while positioned in a baby carrier. Available in pink, blue and red.

Kids can line up the arrows on Froggy's belly and watch him spin through the water from one end of the pool to the other. He uses 2 AA batteries. The "patented random direction makes him zip in random directions," Doug Rubel, CEO of MindWalk, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Fisher-Price calls this squirt gun a “one stop, fast fill water station for kids.” It comes with a base that children can quickly attach to the gun and fill its tank in 15 seconds or less. It's then ready to squirt with no pumping required. Kids can recharge and go right back to the action. The system includes one water blaster and a base with a hose connector. Launch date: Spring 2009.

Hasbro has relaunched this original water blaster. It has a retro look but modernized power. The Super Soaker 50 holds up to 25 oz. of water and shoots up to 35’. Launch date: Spring 2009.

For children who want to swim like a fish, these foam kickboards train them how to just keep swimming. There are two styles, angel fish and clown fish. Each has secure handles for kids to grip while they learn and a wobbly eye that's just for fun. It is part of the Swim Steps line that teaches children how to swim while having a good time. Launch date: Spring 2009.

Kids can test their skill in this dartboard-style game that floats on the water or can be stationed pretty much anywhere outside. It comes with six balls for teams to compete for accuracy.

This one-stop water game includes four dive rings, four diving relay sticks and six diving discs.

While pool basketball is a classic, players don't have to be pros to enjoy this game. The floating hoop is made from non-corrosive PVC construction. The three-way support helps keep it upright and the heavy-duty, hand-woven polyethylene net is designed for durability. It includes a Classic Pro game ball.