kSIST FprEN 13138-3:2021

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 13138-3:2018
01-april-2018
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Buoyant aids for swimming instruction - Part 3: Safety requirements and test methods for

Auftriebshilfen für das Schwimmenlernen - Teil 3: Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen

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, Sièges

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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

This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee

If this draft becomes a European Standard, 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.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN 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

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,

Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,

Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without

© 2018 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 13138-3:2018 E

European foreword ....................................................................................................................................................... 4

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 5

1 Scope .................................................................................................................................................................... 7

2 Normative references .................................................................................................................................... 7

3 Terms and definitions ................................................................................................................................... 7

4 Classification ..................................................................................................................................................... 9

5 Safety requirements .................................................................................................................................... 10

6 Test methods ................................................................................................................................................. 16

7 Warnings and markings ............................................................................................................................. 16

Annex A (normative) Test manikins I to III ..................................................................................................... 20

A.1 Dimension of test manikins I to III ......................................................................................................... 20

A.2 Specifications ................................................................................................................................................. 22

A.3 Density of components ............................................................................................................................... 22

A.4 Centre of gravity ........................................................................................................................................... 23

A.4.1 Location ........................................................................................................................................................... 23

A.4.2 Calibration on land (dry) ........................................................................................................................... 23

A.4.3 Calibration in water (wet) ........................................................................................................................ 23

A.4.4 Test manikins I ... III, variant: upright sitting manikin ................................................................... 24

Annex B (normative) Test procedures for swim seats ................................................................................ 25

B.1 Fit and positioning ....................................................................................................................................... 25

B.1.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 25

B.1.2 In-water behaviour, static stability in calm water ........................................................................... 25

B.1.2.1 Static stability of inflatable swim seats ................................................................................................ 25

B.1.2.2 Static stability of swim seats made from inherent buoyant material, e.g. foam ................... 26

B.1.3 Efficiency of residual buoyancy and retention of function ........................................................... 26

B.2 Self-righting test, options 1 to 3 .............................................................................................................. 27

B.2.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 27

B.2.2 Escape test ...................................................................................................................................................... 27

B.3 Strength of entire seat (weldings, sewings, straps etc.) ................................................................. 30

Annex C (normative) Procedures for testing resistance of markings to saliva .................................. 31

Annex D (normative) Procedures for testing efficiency of valves of inflatable devices .................. 32

Annex E (normative) Security of the pressure release of buckles ........................................................... 33

Annex F (normative) Procedures for testing non-objectively measurable features like

donning, adjustability, retention of function, edges, corners and points by panel

assessment ...................................................................................................................................................... 34

F.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 34

F.2 Assessment of risks ...................................................................................................................................... 34

F.3 Guidance to panel assessment of complete device ........................................................................... 35

F.4 Re-assessment of instructions supplied with the device ............................................................... 36

Annex G (normative) Test procedures for seam strength and durability of inflatable

devices .............................................................................................................................................................. 37

Annex H (normative) Test procedures for determining the puncture resistance of inflatable

devices .............................................................................................................................................................. 38

Annex I (normative) Test procedure for size of leg holes ........................................................................... 39

Annex J (normative) Testing and measurement of means of seat depth adjustment ....................... 40

J.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 40

J.2 Dimensions ..................................................................................................................................................... 41

J.3 Testing .............................................................................................................................................................. 43

J.3.1 Marking a reference point ......................................................................................................................... 43

J.3.2 Measurement ................................................................................................................................................. 44

Annex K (normative) Detailed illustrations regarding the layout of information symbols,

general safety signs and their arrangement on the product ........................................................ 45

K.1 Product safety information symbols ..................................................................................................... 45

K.1.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 45

K.1.2 Graphical Symbols characterising the category of information and heading arrayed

groups of symbols ......................................................................................................................................... 45

K.1.3 Graphical Symbols expressing warnings ............................................................................................. 45

K.1.4 Graphical Symbols expressing prohibitions ....................................................................................... 46

K.1.5 Graphical Symbols expressing instructions ........................................................................................ 47

K.1.6 Safety information symbol ........................................................................................................................ 48

K.1.6.1 Size of graphical symbols ........................................................................................................................... 48

K.1.6.2 Colour of graphical symbols ..................................................................................................................... 48

K.1.6.3 Arrangement of graphical symbols ........................................................................................................ 48

Annex L (informative) Significant technical changes between this document and the

previous edition EN 13138-3:2014 ........................................................................................................ 50

Annex M (normative) Test procedure for entanglement on protruding parts ................................... 52

Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................................. 53

This document (prEN 13138-3:2018) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 162

“Protective clothing including hand and arm protection and liefjackets”, the secretariat of which is held

Annex L provides details of significant technical changes between this European Standard and the

EN 13138, Buoyant aids for swimming instruction, consists of the following parts dealing with buoyant

devices for swimming instructions for the various stages of the learning process:

Buoyant aids for swimming instructions (in brief: swimming device(s)) are intended to assist users (in

particular children) to learn to swim. The design and purpose of the devices are related to the above

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

devices will by itself eliminate the risk of drowning as this depends also on the behaviour of the user

Although this European Standard sets performance requirements to ensure that swimming devices

perform appropriately, it is essential that the 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 devices is recommended to be restricted to water

The highest degree of protection against drowning can only be achieved by using lifejackets. It is

essential that there is a clear distinction between 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

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 do not apply to this European

For the above reasons and to differentiate these devices from aquatic toys, advisory safety measures,

including marking, warning notices and user instructions are included in this standard.

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

devices that are intended to allow the user to become familiar with water (passive user), devices that

are worn (active user) and those devices that are held by the user to improve swimming strokes.

Part 1 of this European Standard is only for devices that are securely attached to the body (class B

devices = for an active user). They are intended to introduce the user to the range of swimming strokes.

This part 1 of prEN 13138 is applicable only in connection with part 4 of prEN 13138.

Part 2 of this European Standard is for devices that are held either in the hands or by the body (class C

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

Part 3 of this European Standard deals only with 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

Swim seats complying with this standard provide a stable, floating position for a child sitting in the

swim seat and avoids entrapment in case of capsizing. Children in swim seats do however require very

close parental supervision. Overload beyond specified body weight, 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

Part 4 of this European Standard deals with in-water performance testing for class B devices and

provides objective methods of measuring the lifting and turning capacity of a swimming device by

applying test manikins of various sizes. It is applicable only in connection with part 1.

This part 3 of EN 13138 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 standard is not applicable to products

This part 3 of EN 13138 applies only to 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 devices

intended to introduce the user to the water environment. These devices are only intended for children

aged up to 36 months with a body mass less than or equal to 18 kg. It does not apply to class B or class C

The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are

indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated

references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

EN 20105-A02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour

EN ISO 105-E03:2010, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part E03: Colour fastness to chlorinated

EN ISO 105-E04, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part E04: Colour fastness to perspiration (ISO

EN ISO 105-X12, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part X12: Colour fastness to rubbing (ISO 105-

EN ISO 3696:1995, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods (ISO 3696:1987)

EN ISO 12402-7:2006, Personal flotation devices — Part 7: Materials and components — Safety

EN ISO 12402-9:2006, Personal flotation devices — Part 9: Test methods (ISO 12402-9:2006)

ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:

resultant upthrust of a swimming device when totally submerged in fresh water with its uppermost

upthrust provided by material which is less dense than water or by sealed chambers that are not

garment or 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

buoyant device 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

Note 1 to entry: This device is intended to allow the user to become familiar with the water environment.

buoyant swimming device intended to be worn, to be securely attached to the body and to introduce the

device intended to be held either in the hands or by the body and to assist with swimming strokes

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 removed and so as to provide the user

device held either in the hands or by the body and provides buoyancy whilst it is being held by the user

process to which the complete device shall be 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 device is likely to be subjected in normal use and storage

sub-group of the entire device which contributes to either buoyancy, function or safety

buoyant device intended to introduce the user to the aquatic environment and to build water

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

all integrated components (parts) of a swim seat which contribute to stable floating conditions and to

complete separation between the test dummy and the swim seat in case of a deliberate capsizing of the

group of three people who are appointed by a test house, all of whom are experienced in assessing

buoyant device designed to be held in the hands or by the arms in order to support the body in the

Turning Lifting Capacity of a swimming device is its capability 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

Note 1 to entry: It is expressed as angle x between calibrated sinking angle and floating angle achieved by the

angle to which a test manikin is intentionally calibrated when hung on its centre of gravity and

Device in which the child is positioned inside the buoyant structure and is in contact with

the water. This device is intended to allow the user to become familiar with the water

environment and movement through it. The 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

C Device intended to be held in the hands or by the body to assist with swimming strokes.

The characteristics given in Table 2 were chosen to ensure compliance between swim seat sizes and

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

Buoyancy may be provided by inherent buoyancy materials, by inflatable chambers or by both. Where

buoyancy is not inherent, 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.

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

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

The assessment panel shall agree, by at least a 2:1 majority or by unanimity, that the device is visible

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