EN 13138-3:2021

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2021
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 13138-3:2015
Plavajoči pripomočki za učenje plavanja - 3. del: Varnostne zahteve in preskusne
metode za plavajoče sedeže, v katere je uporabnik nameščen
Buoyant aids for swimming instruction - Part 3: Safety requirements and test methods for
swim seats into which a user is positioned
Auftriebshilfen für das Schwimmenlernen - Teil 3: Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen
und Prüfverfahren für Schwimmsitze, die am Körper getragen werden
Aides à la flottabilité pour l'apprentissage de la natation - Partie 3 : Exigences de sécurité
et méthodes d'essai relatives aux dispositifs dans lesquels l'enfant est placé
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 13138-3:2021
ICS:
13.340.70 Rešilni jopiči, vzgonska Lifejackets, buoyancy aids
pomagala in plavajoči and floating devices
pripomočki
97.220.40 Oprema za športe na Outdoor and water sports
prostem in vodne športe equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 13138-3
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
October 2021
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.340.70; 97.220.40 Supersedes EN 13138-3:2014
English Version
Buoyant aids for swimming instruction - Part 3: Safety
requirements and test methods for swim seats into which
a user is positioned
Aides à la flottabilité pour l'apprentissage de la Auftriebshilfen für das Schwimmenlernen - Teil 3:
natation - Partie 3 : Exigences de sécurité et méthodes Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und
d'essai relatives aux dispositifs dans lesquels l'enfant Prüfverfahren für Schwimmsitze, die am Körper
est placé getragen werden
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 4 July 2021.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 13138-3:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Classification. 10
4.1 General. 10
4.2 Manikin characteristics . 10
5 Safety requirements concerning design and material . 10
5.1 General. 10
5.2 Design . 11
5.3 Sizing . 12
5.4 Materials — Mechanical properties . 13
5.5 Measurement of buoyancy of complete swimming device . 14
5.6 Markings on swimming devices. 14
5.7 Strength . 15
5.8 Safety requirements concerning in-water performance . 15
6 Test methods . 17
6.1 Enhanced conditioning . 17
6.2 Test apparatus and procedure . 17
7 Warnings and markings . 18
7.1 General. 18
7.2 Warnings and markings on the product . 18
7.3 Information supplied by the manufacturer . 19
7.4 Consumer information at the point of sale . 19
Annex A (normative) Dimensions of manikins I to III . 21
Annex B (normative) Test procedures for swim seats . 27
Annex C (normative) Procedures for testing resistance of markings to saliva . 33
Annex D (normative) Procedures for testing efficiency of valves of inflatable swimming
devices . 34
Annex E (normative) Procedure for testing the security of the pressure release of buckles
without double action (simultaneous/sequential) release . 35
Annex F (normative) Procedures for testing non-objectively measurable features like donning,
adjustability, retention of function, edges, corners and points by panel assessment . 36
Annex G (normative) Procedures for testing for seam strength and durability of inflatable
swimming devices . 39
Annex H (normative) Procedures for determining the puncture resistance of inflatable
swimming devices . 40
Annex I (normative) Procedure for testing the size of leg holes. 41
Annex J (normative) Testing and measurement of means of seat depth adjustment . 42
Annex K (normative) Detailed illustrations regarding the layout of information symbols,
general safety signs and their arrangement on the product . 46
Annex L (normative) Procedure for testing entanglement on protruding parts . 53
Annex M (informative) Significant technical changes between this document and the previous
edition EN 13138-3:2014 . 54
Bibliography . 55

European foreword
This document (EN 13138-3:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 162 “Protective
clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by April 2022 and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by April 2022.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 13138-3:2014.
Annex M provides details of significant technical changes between this European Standard and the
previous edition EN 13138-3:2014.
EN 13138, Buoyant aids for swimming instruction consists of the following parts dealing with buoyant
swimming devices for swimming instructions for the various stages of the learning process:
— Part 1: Safety requirements and test methods for buoyant aids to be worn
— Part 2: Safety requirements and test methods for buoyant aids to be held
— Part 3: Safety requirements and test methods for swim seats into which a user is positioned
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United
Kingdom.
Introduction
The entire process of learning to swim is considered to include two stages:
— getting familiar with the water environment and movements in it, and
— acquiring skills in standard swimming strokes.
Buoyant aids for swimming instruction (in brief: swimming device(s)) are intended to assist users (in
particular children) to learn to swim. The design and purpose of the swimming devices are related to the
above stages.
Swimming devices are intended to give the user positive buoyancy in the water while maintaining the
correct body position for swimming. However, it should not be assumed that standard conformity of the
swimming devices will by itself eliminate the risk of drowning as this depends also on the behaviour of
the user and any supervision.
Although this document sets performance requirements to ensure that swimming devices perform
appropriately, it is essential that the swimming devices are used correctly and under constant and close
supervision. It is important to ensure that they are securely fitted to the appropriate size of user and that
when correctly fitted, they cannot become displaced. Swim seats however should allow immediate escape
in case of capsizing. Therefore, the use of these swimming devices is recommended to be restricted to
water out of standing depth of the user.
The highest degree of protection against drowning can only be achieved by using lifejackets. It is essential
that there is a clear distinction between swimming devices intended to preserve life and those which are
intended only to assist buoyancy for the user when learning to swim. As swimming devices are not life
preservers, they should only be used in swimming pools and other situations free from current, tides and
waves.
The bulk storage of some types of swimming devices could, under certain conditions, result in a potential
fire hazard. The perceived risk of such a hazard was evaluated against the actual risk to the user from
materials treated with certain known toxic fire-retardant chemicals. However, the fire hazard is less of a
problem to the user than the risk associated with the swimming devices being put in the mouth, especially
by children. For this reason, flammability requirements are not included in this document.
For the above reasons and to differentiate these swimming devices from aquatic toys, advisory safety
measures, including marking, warning notices and user instructions are included in this document.
The range both of the design and function of buoyant aids for swimming instruction varies considerably
and for this reason, the standard for swimming devices has been prepared in three parts, namely
swimming devices that are intended to allow the user to become familiar with water (passive user),
swimming devices that are worn (active user) and those swimming devices that are held by the user to
improve swimming strokes.
— Part 1 of this series is only for products that are securely attached to the body (Class B swimming
devices = for an active user). They are intended to introduce the user to the range of swimming
strokes.
— Part 2 of this series is for products that are held either in the hands or by the body (class C swimming
devices = for an active user) and are intended to assist with improving specific elements of the
swimming stroke. For adult beginners or more advanced users they can also be used for further
stages of the process to learn to swim.
— Part 3 of this series deals only with products (swim seats) to assist children up to 36 months in their
first attempts to learn to swim (i.e. to get familiar with the ―in-water-environment) and moving
through it. The child is positioned inside the buoyant structure, which provides buoyancy and lateral
support to the body, thereby keeping the child’s head above water level (class A devices = for a
passive user).
Swim seats allow young children to experience the water environment and being moved through it.
Movements of lower limbs and arms are possible. The use of swim seats does however not replicate any
form of a correct swimming stroke.
Swim seats complying with this document provide a stable, floating position for a child sitting in the swim
seat and avoid entrapment in case of capsizing. Children in swim seats do however require very close
parental supervision. Overload beyond specified body mass, breaking waves and violent external forces
are remaining risks that can cause capsizing. Use of these devices in water that is of the child’s standing
depth will increase the risk of capsizing and will hinder or block the escape from the seat in case of
emergency.
1 Scope
This document specifies safety requirements for design, sizing, materials, strength and in-water
performance as well as provisions for marking and the information supplied by the manufacturer for
swim seats. It also specifies the relevant test methods. This document is not applicable to products
covered by EN 13138-1 and EN 13138-2.
This document applies only to swimming devices into which the user is placed and which have either
inherent buoyancy or can be inflated or a combination of both. It only applies to class A swimming devices
intended to introduce the user to the water environment. These swimming devices are only intended for
children aged up to 36 months with a body mass less than or equal to 19 kg. It does not apply to class B
or class C swimming devices, to pull buoys, lifebuoys, buoyancy aids, lifejackets or aquatic toys.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018, Safety of toys — Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties
EN 20105-A02:1994, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in
colour (ISO 105-A02:1993)
EN ISO 105-E03:2010, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part E03: Colour fastness to chlorinated
water (swimming-pool water) (ISO 105-E03:2010)
EN ISO 105-E04:2013, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part E04: Colour fastness to perspiration
(ISO 105-E04:2013)
EN ISO 105-X12:2016, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part X12: Colour fastness to rubbing
(ISO 105-X12:2016)
EN ISO 3696:1995, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods (ISO 3696:1987)
EN ISO 12402-7:2020, Personal flotation devices — Part 7: Materials and components — Safety
requirements and test methods (ISO 12402-7:2020)
ISO 3864-1, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Part 1: Design principles for safety signs
and safety markings
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
buoyancy
resultant upthrust of a swimming device when totally submerged in fresh water with its uppermost part
just below the water surface
3.2
inherent buoyancy
upthrust provided by material which is less dense than water or by sealed chambers that are not
inflatable and are filled with air or gas
3.3
buoyant aid for swimming instruction
garment or swimming device which when worn or held correctly will provide the buoyancy required to
become familiar with movement through the water, assist with learning to swim or to improve swimming
strokes
Note 1 to entry: In brief: swimming device.
3.4
minimum buoyancy
least buoyancy required by the standard
3.5
original buoyancy
buoyancy provided by the complete swimming device when first tested
3.6
class A swimming device
swimming device for children up to 36 months of age in which the child is in contact with the water
positioned inside the buoyant structure so that it will keep the passive user in a stable floating position
where the base of the chin is at or above the surface of the water
Note 1 to entry: This swimming device is intended to allow the user to become familiar with the water
environment.
Note 2 to entry: For swimming devices class A for children above 36 months, see EN ISO 25649-4.
3.7
class B swimming device
swimming device intended to be worn, to be securely attached to the body and to introduce the active
user to the range of swimming strokes
3.8
class C swimming device
swimming device intended to be held either in the hands or by the body and to assist with swimming
strokes and/or improving specific elements of the strokes
3.9
conditioning
process to which the complete swimming device is submitted that includes immersion in chlorinated
swimming pool water and storage in cold and hot conditions and comprising a number of cycles, to
simulate the conditions to which the swimming device is likely to be subjected in normal use and storage
3.10
component
sub-group of the entire swimming device which contributes to either buoyancy, function or safety
3.11
swim seat
buoyant swimming device intended to introduce the user to the aquatic environment and to build water
confidence as a pre-requisite to learning to swim
Note 1 to entry: Swim seats provide safety for the user but do not guarantee protection against drowning.
Note 2 to entry: Swim seats are learning aids and should not be mistaken with aquatic toys as defined in
EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018.
3.12
swim seat system
all integrated components (parts) of a swim seat which contribute to stable floating conditions and to
safety during normal use or after a capsizing emergency
3.13
escape
complete separation between the test dummy and the swim seat in case of a deliberate capsizing of the
swim seat or swim seat system
3.14
assessment panel
group of three people, all of whom are experienced in assessing buoyant swimming devices appointed to
witness and assess the swimming device
3.15
sinking angle
angle to which a test manikin is intentionally calibrated when hung on its centre of gravity and completely
immersed under water
3.16
passive user
user who does not need to make conscious efforts to keep their airway above water level since this is
achieved by the swimming device
3.17
active user
user who needs to make conscious efforts to keep their airway above water level since this is not achieved
by the swimming device
3.18
swimming device intended to be worn
swimming device having either inherent buoyancy or may be inflated to provide buoyancy and which is
securely attached to the body in such a way that it cannot be accidentally be removed and so as to provide
the user with buoyancy
3.19
swimming device intended to be held
device held either in the hands or by the body and which provides buoyancy whilst it is being held by the
user
4 Classification
4.1 General
Buoyant swimming devices shall be classified according to Table 1.
Table 1 — Classification of buoyant aids for swimming instruction
Class Description
Buoyant swimming device in which the child is in contact with the water positioned
inside the buoyant structure. This swimming device is intended to allow the user to
A become familiar with the water environment and movements through it. The swimming
device will keep the passive user in a stable floating position so that the base of the chin
is at or above the surface of the water.
Buoyant swimming device intended to be worn, to be securely attached to the body and
B
to introduce the active user to the range of swimming strokes.
Swimming device intended to be held either in the hands or by the body and to assist
C
with swimming strokes and/or improving specific elements of the strokes.
4.2 Manikin characteristics
The characteristics given in Table 2 were chosen to ensure compliance between swim seat sizes and
manikin in all relevant test procedures.
Table 2 — Values for manikins
Age years Mass Manikin
≤ 1 ≤ 11 kg I
> 1 to 2 > 11 kg to 15 kg II
> 2 to 3 > 15 kg to 19 kg III
5 Safety requirements concerning design and material
5.1 General
Construction of a buoyant swimming device shall be such that it corresponds in terms of design,
dimensions, safety, strength and durability for its intended use. The requirements set out were chosen to
ensure compliance with these considerations. Where buoyant swimming devices are provided in several
components, the requirements apply to each of the components as specified in the relevant paragraphs
below.
Buoyancy may be provided by inherent buoyancy materials, by inflatable chambers or by both. Where
buoyancy is not inherent, swimming devices shall have a minimum of two independent chambers
safeguarding function and to allow the user to maintain the airway above water level at all times if one
chamber fails. A swimming device shall be only class A or class B or class C.
These products shall be manufactured in bright colours that are in contrast to the water surface so as to
be visible at all times and at any angle when in use. Wholly transparent or materials in any shade of
undecorated blue in the visible areas when in use are not acceptable.
For safety reasons and to assist in supervising children when used in the water, the visible areas of these
products when being used shall be clearly visible from the water’s edge or the poolside when the water
is crowded, moving or may not be clear. Where criteria cannot be objectively assessed, they shall be
subject to evaluation by the assessment panel.
The assessment may make use of the specifications with regard to conspicuity led down in
EN 13138-1:2021, 5.2.
The assessment panel shall agree, by at least a 2 : 1 majority or by unanimity, that the swimming device
is visible when used in the water.
5.2 Design
5.2.1 Avoidance of similarities to aquatic toys
5.2.1.1 Shape
Design and appearance of swim seats shall not evoke the impression of being an aquatic toy.
Inflatable buoyancy chambers or buoyancy chambers filled by air or inherently buoyant material shall be
limited in number and volume to the functional needs of providing sufficient buoyancy and safety. There
shall be no toy elements or above water level structures like, e.g. animal imitations, car or boat structures
or other elements evoking the character of an aquatic toy and no wind catching structures, e.g. canopy or
sunshade.
5.2.1.2 Special features
Special features or equipment, like handles etc., shall not impair the safety of the swimming device.
Requirements given in 5.6, in water behaviour, shall be met with and without detachable equipment.
5.2.2 Health and comfort
5.2.2.1 Innocuousness
Class A swimming devices shall not adversely affect the health or hygiene of the user. The materials shall
not, in the foreseeable conditions of normal use, release substances general know to be toxic,
carcinogenic, mutagenic, allergenic, toxic to reproduction or otherwise harmful.
Testing shall be carried out verifying:
— Materials specifications;
— Safety data sheets relating to the materials;
— Information relating to the suitability of the materials for use with food, in medical swimming
devices, or other relevant applications;
— Information relating to toxicological, allergenic, carcinogenic, toxic to reproduction or mutagenic
investigations on the materials;
— Information relating to ecotoxicological and other environmental investigations on the materials.
5.2.2.2 Edges, corners and points
Edges and corners of hard and rigid materials shall be chamfered or rounded. Round edges or corners
shall have a minimum radius of 1 mm and where a chamfer is part of the design, it shall be of (45 ± 5)°
and at least 1 mm in width. There shall be no barbs or other sharp points or features.
Testing shall be by measurement and tactile assessment in accordance with Table F.1.
5.2.2.3 Buckles, zippers and other fixings
If buckles, zippers or other detachable fastening devices are used as parts of the entire swimming device
in order to attach the swimming device to the body or in order to connect functional parts or components
they shall require at least two simultaneous or sequential actions for their release or opening in order to
prevent unintended opening. Where one single action can be applied and relies on pressure for release,
it shall be necessary to apply a force of at least 50 N. Testing shall be in accordance with Annex F.
Buckles for seat depth adjustment are exempted from this requirement.
Verification shall be agreed by the assessment panel according to Annex F in the context of the relevant
opening/closing system.
5.2.2.4 Attached small parts
Attached small parts on the swimming device shall withstand a pull of (90 ± 2) N in the direction most
likely to cause failure without becoming detached from the swimming device. Parts which are detached,
including those that may accidentally come away or be torn off the swimming device, shall not fit wholly
into the small parts cylinder, the specifications for which shall be in accordance with
EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018, 8.2.
5.2.2.5 Valves and stoppers
Inflatable class A swimming devices shall be fitted with valves ensuring sealing even when the stopper is
entirely removed. Stoppers shall be connected to the body of the valve. All valves shall ensure that, with
any opened stopper, inflatable swimming devices, when tested in accordance with Annex D, shall after a
period of 2 min retain at least 80 % of their original buoyancy.
5.2.2.6 Protruding parts
The protrusion of the valve/stopper or of any other protruding part shall not catch a test rope when
tested in accordance with Annex L.
5.3 Sizing
Sizing of swim seats with regard to body weight of the user shall be in accordance with the range of body
weights and age groups as specified in Table 2.
The size of the swimming device shall be indicated on the product (see Clause 7) and by ticking (✓) the
relevant box(es) according to Figure 2, Example 1.
The size of the leg holes, when tested in accordance with Annex I, shall not allow the probe to pass
through.
Adjustment swimming devices for the body holding system (seat pant) shall be provided if the smallest
user (5 %, female of the designated user group) cannot:
a) Look over the front edge when sitting vertically in the fully intact swim seat;
or
b) Keep her airways above water level if the air chamber most likely to cause failure is deflated.
In order to avoid excessive lifting of the user it is recommended that the means of adjustment should
allow an increase of the sitting height:
— Size I and II:  50 mm;
— Size III:      55 mm.
The swimming device shall be adjustable either stepwise (SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE), sliding or otherwise
and shall not become loose or detached during use. The adjustment mechanism shall enable the
supervising person to control and recognize the degree of adjustment. To prevent the supervising person
from setting higher sitting positions than intended by the manufacturer technical means shall avoid over-
adjustment if the highest intended sitting level is reached. Appropriate information should be provided
in the manufacturer’s instructions. In addition the graphical symbol according to Figure K.15 shall be
applied.
— Seat depth adjustment shall not compromise the leg-hole dimensions according to Annex I. In case of
an all- or two-in-one design the smallest probe according to Annex I must not pass through the
biggest leg hole. Testing shall be done with the smallest and the largest manikin of the range.
— Testing and measuring shall be done by applying the relevant test template in accordance with
Annex J.
With the recommended lifting heights, the centre of gravity of the various user sizes within a designated
user group can be brought to an equal level (see J.3).
5.4 Materials — Mechanical properties
5.4.1 Thread
To sew load bearing components, only threads manufactured from synthetic materials whose properties
correspond to polyester or polyamide fibres shall be used.
Thread shall be tested using a simple burn test. When tested by a flame, fibres shall not leave an ash but
should melt or burn to leave a black pellet like residue.
5.4.2 Resistance to puncturing
Where buoyant swimming devices have air filled buoyancy chambers, the chambers shall remain airtight
when tested in accordance with the procedures given in Annex H.
5.4.3 Resistance of foam and other inherent buoyant material to water absorption
After 24 h water immersion a sample of foam or other inherent buoyant material taken from the
swimming device shall lose no more than 10 % of its original buoyancy. Due to the small dimensions and
the shape of learn to swim devices the sample may consist of a complete component or shall provide
sample dimensions as near as possible to 10 cm x 10 cm.
5.4.4 Resistance of foam and other inherent buoyant materials to compression
Class A swimming devices manufactured from foam or other inherently buoyant materials shall, when
tested according to EN ISO 12402-7:2020, 4.8.2.4 with the pre-conditioning according to 6.1 of this
standard, be capable of withstanding compression and other movements in normal use without
sustaining permanent loss of buoyancy. When tested following conditioning in accordance with 6.1, three
new, pre-conditioned samples of the buoyant material not used in other tests shall lose no more than
10 % of its buoyancy for each sample. Testing shall be done as specified in EN ISO 12402-7:2020, 4.8.2.4
5.4.5 Testing
The foam or other inherently buoyant sample shall be tested after conditioning according to 6.1.
Test procedure:
a) the sample is put into a net of appropriate size just to hold it;
b) the net with the sample inside is loaded with an amount of ballast weight so that it sinks to about
30 cm below the water surface;
c) buoyancy is measured by appropriate means;
d) afterwards the net without sample is measured.
The difference is the initial buoyancy A.
e) immerse the sample in water for a period of 24 h;
f) repeat a) to d) determine buoyancy B of the sample.
The difference between the A and B is the loss of buoyancy due to water absorption.
5.5 Measurement of buoyancy of complete swimming device
5.5.1 Apparatus
The standard equipment required consists of a weighted cage, whose submerged weight is greater than
1,1 times the expected buoyancy value of the swimming device, and a tank of fresh water, deep enough
to accommodate the swimming device horizontally with its upper surface at a depth of 100 mm to
150 mm below the water surface without contacting the sides of the tank or the bottom and with a
calibrated load cell of balance supporting it.
5.5.2 Procedure
The cage with the swimming device (fully inflated, if inflatable) shall be suspended in fresh water at a
temperature of (20 ± 5) °C from the load cell so that the upper surface of the horizontally positioned
sample is submerged at 100 mm to 150 mm below the surface. The immersed combined weight shall be
recorded as A.
It should be taken care that entrapped air has escaped before measuring.
The sample shall be removed from the cage. The weighted cage shall again be immersed and the result
recorded as B.
The buoyancy is obtained by deducting A from B.
5.6 Markings on swimming devices
5.6.1 General
The tests described in 5.6.2 to 5.6.5 shall not apply where the markings are debossed into or embossed
below the surrounding surface of the material. Guidance on marking methods is illustrated in Figure 1.

Letter Letter Letter Letter Letter printed Label glued
embossed debossed embossed and debossed and directly onto onto bottom of
moulded into moulded into bottom of moulded area
the structure the structure moulded area
Figure 1 — Illustration of embossed and debossed markings
5.6.2 Resistance to chlorinated salt water
After conditioning according to 6.1, the entire deflated swimming device or the inherent buoyancy
swimming device shall be tested for change in colour and damage. The change in colour after conditioning
according 6.1 shall be assessed according to EN 20105-A02:1994 and shall be step 3 on the grey scale or
better. Inflatable swimming devices, after being dried, shall be orally inflated to their maximum volume
and inspected for air leakage.
All swimming devices shall be inspected to ensure markings remain legible (assessment panel).
5.6.3 Resistance of the markings to saliva
When tested in accordance with the procedures in Annex C, the change in colour of the markings shall be
step 3 on the grey scale or better when assessed according to EN 20105-A02:1994 and the markings shall
remain legible.
5.6.4 Resistance of the markings to perspiration
When tested in accordance with EN ISO 105-E04:2013 the change of colour of the markings shall be 3 on
the grey scale or better when assessed according to EN 20105-A02:1994 and the markings shall remain
legible.
5.6.5 Resistance of markings to rubbing
When tested in accordance with EN ISO 105-X12:2016 (wet and dry) for 100 cycles markings shall not
be damaged and shall remain legible in all details when assessed by the assessment panel.
5.7 Strength
5.7.1 Strength of entire seat
When tested in accordance with B.3 no part or component of the seat e.g. straps, trousers or its
attachment to the buoyant structure (welding seams) shall break or show any deficiency compromising
safety.
5.7.2 Seam strength and durability of inflatable swimming devices
The swimming device shall remain airtight after being submitted to a cyclic pressure test according to
the procedures given in Annex G.
5.8 Safety requirements concerning in-water performance
5.8.1 Residual buoyancy
Where buoyancy is not provided by inherently buoyant material but by inflatable air chambers or a
hybrid system of inherent buoyant material in combination with inflatable air chambers the swim seat
shall have a buoyancy system which provides sufficient residual buoyancy if any air chamber fails. If this
buoyancy system is made up by several components this requirement applies for each of them. In the
event of the failure of the air chamber most likely to cause failure the performance of the swimming
device, when tested in accordance with 5.8.4, shall ensure that the manikin’s airways are always above
the water.
Swim seats providing buoyancy by filling materials such as granules, air sacs or similar shall ensure that
the manikin’s airways are always above the water after complete removal of the filling material from a
buoyancy chamber most likely to cause failure.
If the buoyancy is provided in different separate components (parts), the functional requirement to
maintain the manikin’s airways above the water applies to the whole swimming device in the event of
the failure of any component or chamber within it.
Swimming devices shall be tested in accordance with B.1.3.
5.8.2 Fit and positioning
When tested in accordance with B.1, inspection by the assessment panel, there shall be clear evidence
that the swim seat provides support to hold the child’s body in a reasonable upright position without
fixing it or being too loose. The child’s body shall be represented by the appropriate manikin I to III in
accordance with the relevant swim seat category as specified in Table 2 (see also 5.3 and Annex J).
5.8.3 In-water behaviour, static stability in calm water
5.8.3.1 Inflatable swim seats
With the appropriate manikin in position as specified in Annex B, the swim seat shall not capsize when
submitted to the test in calm water (see B.1.2.1). The airways — marked by shaded head area — shall
always remain above water level.
5.8.3.2 Swim seats made from inherent buoyant material, e.g. foam
With the loads applied on the load application points as specified in Annex B, the swim seat shall not
capsize when submitted to the test in calm water (see B.1.2.2).
5.8.4 In-water behaviour, static stability, capsizing under extreme condition
When deliberately tipped to an angle as specified in Table 3 the swim seat shall meet one of the three
options/performance levels as specified in Table 3. Testing shall be done in accordance with B.2.
Table 3 — Floating stability and escape performance levels
Option 1 Performance Option 2 Performance Option 3 Performance
Requirement
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Self-righting after being Self-righting after being Self-righting after being
Floating stability, self-
tipped to an angle tipped to an angle tipped to an angle
righting and hold of
≤ 120° for the manikin ≤ 100° for the manikin ≤ 120° for the manikin
manikin
or 85° for the swimming or 85° for the swimming or 85° for the swimming
Tilting to all four sides
device test manikin not device test manikin not device test manikin not
or tilting to the side
lost, shaded head area lost, shaded head area lost, shaded head area
most likely to cause
above water level after above water level after above water level after
failure
self-righting self-righting self-righting
No escape, manikin
retained within
Complete escape when Complete escape when
Escape
swimming device at any
tested in accordance tested in accordance
tipping angle when
(complete capsizing)
with 5.6.5 with 5.6.5
tested in accordance
with 5.6.5
New safe floating New safe floating New safe floating
position after escape No new safe floating position outside swim position inside swim
outside or inside the position seat with shaded head seat with shaded head
swim seat area above water level area above water level
5.8.5 Escape from the swim seat (body entrapment, leg/foot entanglement)
When tested in accordance with B.2.2 the swim seat shall meet one of the three options/performance
levels as specified in Table 3. There shall be no entrapment or entanglement of legs or feet or any other
part of manikin’s body. Arm stumps shall be removed as required.
5.8.6 In-water behaviour, static stability retention of function
Swim seats (class A swimming devices) shall retain their intended function and safety if a buoyancy
chamber most likely to cause failure has failed (see 5.6.1). Swimming devices shall be tested in accordance
with B.1.3.
5.8.7 Swim seats with special seat designs
Swim seats which — due to their seat designs — cannot be tested for requirements according to 5.6 with
the upright standing manikin as specified in A.1 shall be tested by applying the sitting manikin as specified
in A.5, based on the principles of 5.6.5 to ensure that the aims are met and tested on the basis of this
standard considering all foreseeable circumstances.
NOTE The vast majority of swim seats is based on seat pants as an appropriate body holding system. Test
manikins as specified in A.1 are designed to test these common types of swim seats. Due to their upright standing
posture they cannot be used for some very rare designs with fixed and hard shell plastic seats positioning the user
in a posture with angled legs. The posture causes problems with regard all stability tests and the escape test.
6 Test methods
6.1 Enhanced conditioning
It is important that the test procedures are in normal climate condition. If not otherwise stated, test shall
be carried out on the entire assembly
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