CPSC, Mares America Corp. Announce Recall of Guardian Dive Computers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Mares America Corp. of Norwalk, Conn., is recalling about 1,200 dive computers used to determine dive depth, dive time and other automatic measurements during scuba diving. Guardian dive computers can fail to function when water leaks into the battery compartment during a dive. Also, the computer can malfunction by not automatically switching on during a dive or the computer control buttons on the computer can fail to operate properly. These failures could result in divers suffering decompression sickness, which can lead to significant injury.

Mares is aware of 45 incidents of the Guardian dive computer failing to operate properly. There have been no injuries or deaths reported involving the use of these dive computers.

The Guardian dive computer comes in two models, a wrist mount and a hose mount. The computer is about 3 inches wide and 3 inches long. It is black and gray with yellow buttons. "Mares" and "Guardian" are written on the frame of the computer around the screen.

Selected Mares dive shops sold the Guardian computers nationwide from January through August 1997 for about $400. Divers should stop using the Guardian dive computer immediately and return it to their Mares authorized dealer to receive a free replacement computer. For more information, contact Mares America Corp. toll free at (800) 874-3236 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call any other time and leave a message.