Water Beads Warning, Deer Rut at Cannock Chase

Trading Standards officers at Staffordshire County Council are reminding people about potential risks posed by water beads.  The warning is aimed at parents and carers and is highlighting the particular risks to young children and vulnerable people.  The alert has been issued by the Office of Product Safety and Standards.

So what are they – water beads, also called jelly balls, water balls, sensory beads and water crystals, are used for a variety of purposes including children’s toys, in crafting, as home decor, or in floristry.  They can expand to up to 400 times their original size when exposed to liquid and if swallowed, can  cause serious blockages which will require surgery.  The beads can also cause choking and have harmed children in the UK, with reports linking them to deaths overseas.

Officers are now advising people to ensure water beads are kept away from young children, and only used with older children or vulnerable adults under close supervision.  The alert advises parents and carers that if it is suspected that a water bead has been swallowed, medical help should be sought immediately.

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council, said: “These products may seem fun and harmless but they can be extremely dangerous for young children and vulnerable people.

“Our officers want to make sure people are aware of the potential danger and ensure if they have these products in the home, they are used safely and no young child or vulnerable adult is using them unsupervised.”

The alert advises parents and carers that if it is suspected that a water bead has been swallowed, medical help should be sought immediately.

Further details on the alert are available on the Gov.uk website.

Anyone wanting to report unsafe goods to Staffordshire Trading Standards should head to our webpage.

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Drivers travelling through Cannock Chase are being advised to lower their speed to 40mph, as deer mating season draws in. Also known as the deer rut, it is a time when the deer are more active, particularly around the morning and evening rush hour, creating an increased risk of collisions with motorists.

In response, Staffordshire County Council’s countryside rangers are implementing heightened safety measures at Cannock Chase to protect both deer and drivers.

Signs will be put up asking motorists to stick to an advisory 40mph and be more aware of deer during their daily commutes through Cannock Chase

Last year, around 150 accidents involving deer occurred in the Cannock Chase area and, this year, 85 incidents have already been reported. Nationally, it is estimated 74,000 deer related incidents occur every year.

Victoria Wilson, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities and culture, said: “As the days get shorter and visibility decreases, deer can be much harder to spot, and they often leap unexpectedly in front of oncoming vehicles.

“We’ve implemented several measures over the years to improve safety, but we also need drivers to do their part by staying vigilant and following the recommended speed limit. The number of deer collisions in Cannock Chase is still too high. Together, we can reduce accidents and keep both our wildlife and road users safe.”

Tips to reduce the risk of a deer collision:

If your headlights are on, use full-beams when you can but dip them if you see deer because they may ‘freeze’.

• Lower your speed when you see

• More deer will likely follow the first one you see, so be aware.

• Always be prepared to stop. Avoid suddenly swerving to avoid a deer. Hitting oncoming traffic or another obstacle could be even worse.

• If you must stop, activate your hazard warning lights.

• Do not approach an injured deer as it could be dangerous. Instead, call 999 and ask for the Police.
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