SIST EN 13138-1:2021

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2021
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 13138-1:2014
Plavajoči pripomočki za učenje plavanja - 1. del: Varnostne zahteve in preskusne
metode za plavajoče pripomočke, ki se oblečejo
Buoyant aids for swimming instruction - Part 1: Safety requirements and test methods for
buoyant aids to be worn
Auftriebshilfen für das Schwimmenlernen - Teil 1: Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen
und Prüfverfahren für am Körper getragene Auftriebshilfen
Aides à la flottabilité pour l'apprentissage de la natation - Partie 1 : Exigences de sécurité
et méthodes d'essai pour les aides à la flottabilité portées au corps
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 13138-1:2021
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 13138-1
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
October 2021
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.340.70; 97.220.40 Supersedes EN 13138-1:2014
English Version
Buoyant aids for swimming instruction - Part 1: Safety
requirements and test methods for buoyant aids to be
worn
Aides à la flottabilité pour l'apprentissage de la Auftriebshilfen für das Schwimmenlernen - Teil 1:
natation - Partie 1 : Exigences de sécurité et méthodes Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und
d'essai pour les aides à la flottabilité portées au corps Prüfverfahren für am Körper getragene Auftriebshilfen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 18 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 13138-1:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 5
0 Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms and definitions . 10
4 Classification . 12
5 Safety Requirements concerning design and material . 13
5.1 General . 13
5.2 Conspicuity . 13
5.3 Buoyancy . 13
5.4 Fit and positioning . 15
5.5 Entire assembly and components . 16
5.6 Materials — Mechanical properties . 17
5.7 Markings on swimming devices . 18
6 Test methods . 19
6.1 Conditioning . 19
6.2 Test procedure . 19
7 Warnings and markings . 20
7.1 General . 20
7.2 Warnings and markings on the product . 20
7.3 Information supplied by the manufacturer . 21
7.4 Consumer information at the point of sale . 21
8 Safety requirements concerning in-water performance . 22
8.1 General . 22
8.2 Category of users, test manikins, human test subjects . 23
8.3 Prevention from sinking . 23
8.4 Flotation angle (horizontal, vertical) . 24
8.5 Displacement of the swimming device on the body . 24
8.6 Retention of function after failure of an air chamber . 24
9 Testing . 24
9.1 Test methods . 24
9.2 In-water performance test with a human test subject . 24
9.3 In-water performance testing with free floating manikin . 25
9.4 Testing for displacement of the swimming device on the body . 26
9.5 Test method for retention of function after failure of an air chamber. 26
Annex A (normative) Procedures for testing resistance of markings to saliva . 27
Annex B (normative) Procedures for testing efficiency of valves of inflatable swimming
devices . 28
Annex C (normative) Procedure for testing the security of the pressure release of buckles
without double action (simultaneous/sequential) release . 29
Annex D (normative) Procedures for testing non-objectively measurable features like
donning, adjustability, retention of function, edges, corners and points by
assessment panel . 30
D.1 General . 30
D.2 Assessment of risks to the user . 30
D.3 Re-assessment of instructions supplied with the swimming device . 30
Annex E (normative) Procedures for testing seam strength and durability of inflatable
swimming devices . 32
Annex F (normative) Procedures for determining the puncture resistance of inflatable
swimming devices . 33
Annex G (normative) Procedures for testing conspicuity . 34
G.1 Test sequence . 34
G.2 Test parameter . 34
G.3 Photo tests boards or beamer projection . 34
Annex H (normative) Procedures for testing for integrity of the entire assembly . 37
H.1 Test description . 37
H.2 Test parameters . 37
Annex I (normative) Detailed illustrations regarding the layout of information symbols,
general safety signs and their arrangement on the product. 38
I.1 General . 38
I.2 Graphical symbols characterizing the category of information and heading arrayed
groups of symbols . 38
Annex J (normative) Procedure for testing entanglement on protruding parts. 45
Annex K (normative)  Dimensions of manikins I to III . 46
K.1 Dimensions of manikins I to III . 46
K.2 Functional residual lung volume . 48
K.3 Mass and density of components of manikins I to III. 48
K.4 Centre of gravity of manikins I to III . 49
Annex L (normative) Dimensions of manikins IV to VII . 51
L.1 Dimensions of manikins IV to VII . 51
L.2 Density of manikin components. 56
L.3 Functional residual lung capacity (FRC) . 56
L.4 Calibration on land (dry), manikins III to VII . 56
L.5 Calibration underwater (wet), manikins I to VII . 56
Annex M (normative) In-water performance test, measuring devices fitted to free floating
manikins I to VII, measurement of floating angle . 58
M.1 In-water performance test, measuring devices fitted to free floating manikins I to
VII, measurement of floating angle . 58
M.2 In-water performance test, free floating manikins I to VII, measurement of freeboard . 59
Annex N (informative) Significant changes between this document and the previous edition
of EN 13138-1:2014. 60
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment aimed to be covered . 61
Bibliography. 62

European foreword
This document (EN 13138-1:2021) 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 13138-1:2014.
This document has been prepared under a Standardization Request given to CEN by the European
Commission and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU
Directive(s) / Regulation(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s) / Regulation(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part
of this document.
Annex N provides details of significant technical changes between this European Standard and the
previous edition EN 13138-1:2014.
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.
0 Introduction
0.1 Design and materials
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 rescue 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 products
that are intended to allow the user to become familiar with water (passive user), products that are worn
(active user) and those products 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 swimming
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 swimming 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.
0.2 In-water performance
Over more than two decades of standardization work in this field it was not possible to establish test
methods to verify “Buoyant Aids for Swimming Instruction” with regard to their in-water performance.
Do they provide help when learning to swim? Is a user supported in a way that he/she can adopt easily
the optimal floating angle for chest strokes? Which type is best for what category of users? Do swimming
devices prevent a passive user from sinking unstoppable to the ground? With regard to babies, infants
and young children all these questions could only be estimated but never objectively measured. In-water
tests were only possible with school kids and even here the behaviour of young children cannot be
considered as “standard-test-method”-conform.
With this edition these problems have been solved. All above mentioned crucial parameters can be
measured objectively. The allocation of a type of swimming device to a user group — defined by body
weight and body size — can be based on objective performance data. Tests given prove: Due to their
comparatively heavy heads, babies and infants are the most demanding users. The centre of gravity — in
particular when immersed — is positioned high on the body, i.e. “top-heavy”. Moreover, there is little
space on the tiny bodies to attach a swimming device above the immersed centre of gravity so that a
positive torque can be applied to support the heavy heads. These problems decrease with increasing
age/weight/body size. The increased body height stretches the space to attach swimming devices on the
torso and lowers the centre of gravity. The influence of head weight in relation to body weight gets
smaller and smaller. A swimming device can be positioned close to the chest and even to the belly area
without losing the desired support when learning to swim.
The performance criterion of a swimming device is the floating angle of the wearer achieved by it and not
any longer only its buoyancy value alone. Prevention from sinking of the wearer is measured as freeboard
at back head. The performance unit is the so-called TLC (turning lifting capacity) of a swimming device.
It is measured in angle degrees. A positive value means that the upper body of smaller persons (children
with less than 30 kg body weight) is lifted and supported. To reproduce the top heaviness of small
children the test manikins are calibrated to a negative sinking angle. Manikins representing older users
are calibrated to only −10° and finally to 0° for persons above 30 kg body weight. In all these above cases
it is important that the swimming device does not generate a downwards torque. The natural sinking
angle persons above 30 kg body weight and normal body-built is however positive, i.e. they sink feet first,
buoyancy conditions change.
The manikin tests specified in this document end with the age/weight group of 6 to 7 years and 30 kg.
From this size on anthropometrical circumstances and behavioural capabilities offer the option to carry
out testing with human test subjects also the child age 7 to 14 years. The human tests subjects are
requested to behave like the manikins and simulate a passive user. The reason for this is that a standard
test method striving for objective and reproducible product related performance measurements has to
eliminate subjective factors. Not the skills of a user to handle a product are needed to be measured but
solely the product properties and their performance data.
All test conditions simulate a worst-case situation, i.e. a passive user. The manikin’s head however is
immersed and receives buoyancy during all tests. In practice, children still struggle to generate sufficient
dynamic buoyancy to keep the head above water and to move forwards. Swimming aids are no life
preservers, they do not protect against drowning. But they help and give a certain protection without
releasing the user from the efforts when learning to swim.
1 Scope
This document specifies safety and in water performance requirements for construction, sizing, marking
and information supplied by the manufacturer for swimming aids intended to ensure a degree of
buoyancy to assist beginners with movement through the water while learning to swim or while learning
part of a swimming stroke. It also gives methods of test for verification of these requirements.
This document applies only to swimming devices that are designed to be worn, to be securely attached
to the body and which have either inherent buoyancy or can be inflated. It only applies to class B
swimming devices intended to introduce the user to the range of swimming strokes.
It does not apply to class A or class C swimming devices, to pull buoys, swim rings, lifebuoys, buoyancy
aids, lifejackets or aquatic toys.
This document is not applicable for products known as 'baby neck rings' aiming to keep the user's airways
above the water level.
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 216:2007, Writing paper and certain classes of printed matter — Trimmed sizes — A and B series,
and indication of machine direction (ISO 216:2007)
EN ISO 3696:1995, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods (ISO 3696:1987)
EN ISO 7010:2020, Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Registered safety signs
(ISO 7010:2011, Corrected version 2020-06)
EN ISO 25649-1:2017, Floating leisure articles for use on and in the water — Part 1: Classification,
materials, general requirements and test methods (ISO 25649-1:2017)
ISO 3864-1:2011, 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(s).
3.4
minimum buoyancy
least buoyancy required by the standard
3.5
original buoyancy
buoyancy (3.1) provided by a 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 25649-4:2017.
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
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
3.10
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
3.11
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
3.12
component
sub-group of the entire swimming device which contributes to either buoyancy, function or safety
3.13
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 not aquatic toys as defined in EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018.
3.14
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
3.15
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
3.16
assessment panel
group of three people, all of whom are experienced in assessing buoyant swimming devices appointed to
witness and assess the swimming device
3.18
turning-lifting-capacity
TLC
capability of a a swimming device to turn the user’s body into a specified floating angle and to lift him to
a level where the body floats at least just on equal level with the water surface or above
Note 1 to entry: It is expressed as angle x between calibrated sinking angle and floating angle achieved by the
device.
3.19
sinking angle
angle to which a test manikin is intentionally calibrated when hung on its centre of gravity and completely
immersed under water
3.20
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
3.21
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
3.22
freeboard
distance of the backhead of the manikin or of the test subject to the water level
Note 1 to entry: See Figure M.1, key F.
4 Classification
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 to
B
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 with
C
swimming strokes and/or improving specific elements of the strokes

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, components shall have a minimum of two independent chambers safeguarding
function.
Class B swimming devices shall provide a stable floating position and prevent the user from sinking even
if the air chamber most likely to cause failure has become deflated. Testing shall be in accordance with
Clause 9. A swimming device shall be only class A or class B or class C.
For safety reasons and to assist in supervising children when in the water, the visible areas of these
products when being used shall be clearly visible. For conspicuity, see 5.2.
The assessment panel shall agree, by at least a 2:1 majority or by unanimity, that the swimming device is
visible.
5.2 Conspicuity
5.2.1 Requirement
The above-water area of swimming devices in use shall contrast to all 4 test backgrounds as specified in
Annex G. The positive contrast assessment shall be made by at least the majority of the assessment panel.
The contrasting appearance can be achieved by the swimming device itself or by any other additional
means providing contrast. If contrast is achieved by additional means they need to be securely fixed to
the swimming device and withstand a pulling force of 50 N in the direction most likely to cause failure.
5.2.2 Testing
The above water area of the swimming device shall be marked during the performance tests according
Clause 9 and consider the swimming device-manikin-combination and the swimming device human-
subject-combination most likely to cause failure.
Testing shall be done according to Annex G.
5.3 Buoyancy
5.3.1 Buoyancy characteristics of the complete swimming device
When tested in accordance with the procedures in 5.3.3, the swimming device shall, with all of its buoyant
components, have minimum buoyancy in accordance with Table 2. Where a dash (—) is shown in Table 2,
this indicates that the swimming device is not appropriate for the type of user.
NOTE For illustration of class of swimming device, see Figure 2.
Table 2 — Buoyancy characteristics of class of swimming device
Class of buoyant aid for swimming instruction
a
Mass range Age Minimum buoyancy
kg years N
Garment Collar Arm bands per pair Chest belt Back float
≤ 11 ≤ 1 20 20 20 — —
> 11 to 15 > 1 to 2 20 20 20 — —
> 15 to 19 > 2 to 3 20 25 25 20 20
> 19 to 30 > 3 to 6 20 25 25 20 20
> 30 to 60 > 6 to 12 25 30 30 25 25
> 60 > 12 30 40 40 30 30
NOTE The specified amounts of buoyancy constitute necessary but not sufficient criteria to meet the safety and
in-water performance requirements. Depending on the age/weight group of the wearer — here represented by
manikins/human test subjects — the position of buoyancy on the human body has significant influence
concerning the wanted assistance when learning to swim.
a
Age groups are for orientation only. The correlation between the age and the body mass can vary
considerably.
5.3.2 Residual buoyancy
Any swimming device consisting of two air chambers (one component) when tested in accordance with
5.3.3, shall, after complete deflation of one chamber, provide no less than 50 % of the minimum buoyancy
according to Table 2.
Where buoyancy is not provided by inherent buoyant material the swimming device shall have at least
two independent air chambers. Where a component consists of two or more air chambers, after deflating
the one chamber most likely to fail in the component, this component shall provide at least 25 % of the
total minimum buoyancy for the swimming device set out in Table 2.
NOTE Swimming devices that have buoyancy provided by inherently buoyant material are not considered
likely to fail in normal use.
5.3.3 Measurement of buoyancy of complete swimming device
5.3.3.1 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.
5.3.3.2 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.
5.4 Fit and positioning
5.4.1 Adjustability — Class B swimming device
Each swimming device shall be designed in such a way as to ensure that:
a) it can be securely fitted to the appropriate size of user;
b) its position on the body shall not, when correctly fitted, allow it to be able to be accidentally displaced
when in normal use;
c) its position on the body permits the user to adopt the correct position for the stroke being learned.
The position of the swimming device when worn is shown in Figure 1.
Garment Collar Arm bands Chest ring or Back float
(per pair) chest belt
Figure 1 — Position of the swimming device on the body
The testing procedures for this swimming device shall be in accordance with Annex D and the
performance requirements and test methods specified in 8.5 and 9.4.
Sizing of class B swimming devices shall be in accordance with the range of body mass as specified in
Table 2. The suitability of the swimming device for a user shall be indicated on the product (see Figure 3)
and by marking the relevant box(es) according to Figure 3, by ticking ✓ in the appropriate box.
5.4.2 Fastening systems
If fastening systems 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.
However, if only one single action is necessary and relies on pressure for release, it shall be necessary to
apply a force of at least 50 N for opening this type of buckle. Testing shall be in accordance with Annex C.
Verification whether there is a clear double action (simultaneous or sequential) fastening system shall be
executed by the assessment panel according to Annex D in the context of the relevant opening/closing
system.
5.4.3 Retention of function
Class B swimming devices shall retain their intended function in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions even if there is a failure of an air chamber of the swimming device.
Swimming devices shall be tested through inspection by members of an assessment panel in accordance
with Annex D and in accordance with the performance requirements and test methods as specified in
Clauses 8 and 9.
5.4.4 Health and comfort
5.4.4.1 Innocuousness
Class B 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 generally known 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.
5.4.4.2 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 D.1.
5.4.4.3 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
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