Buoyant aids for swimming instruction - Part 1: Safety requirements and test methods for buoyant aids to be worn

This European Standard specifies safety requirements for construction, performance, sizing, marking and information supplied by the manufacturer for swimming aids intended 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 part 1 of prEN 13138 applies only to 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 devices intended to introduce the user to the range of swimming strokes. It does not apply to Class A or Class C devices, to pull buoys, swim rings, lifebuoys, buoyancy aids, lifejackets or aquatic toys.
This document (prEN13138-1:2018) applies only in connection with prEN 13138-4:2018.

Auftriebshilfen für das Schwimmenlernen - Teil 1: Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren für am Körper getragene Auftriebshilfen

Diese Europäische Norm legt sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen an Konstruktion, Gebrauchs-tauglichkeit, Größen, Kennzeichnung und Informationen des Herstellers von Auftriebshilfen fest, die dazu vorgesehen sind, Schwimmanfängern bei der Bewegung im Wasser beim Schwimmenlernen oder beim Erlernen eines Teils einer Schwimmbewegung zu helfen. Weiterhin werden Prüfverfahren zur Verifi¬zierung dieser Anforderungen angegeben.
Dieser Teil 1 der prEN 13138 gilt ausschließlich für Auftriebshilfen zum Anziehen, die dafür ausgelegt sind, sicher am Körper befestigt zu werden, und die entweder einen Feststoffauftrieb besitzen oder aufgeblasen werden können. Er gilt nur für Auftriebshilfen der Klasse B, die dazu vorgesehen sind, den Benutzer mit den unterschiedlichen Schwimmbewegungen vertraut zu machen. Er gilt nicht für Auftriebshilfen der Klasse A oder der Klasse C, für Armzug Trainingsgeräte, Schwimmringe, Rettungsringe, Schwimmhilfen, Rettungswesten oder Wasserspielzeuge.
Dieses Dokument (prEN 13138-1:2018) gilt ausschließlich in Verbindung mit prEN 13138-4:2018.

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

Le présent document spécifie les exigences de sécurité et de performance dans l’eau relatives à la fabrication, la taille, et au marquage et aux informations fournies par le fabricant des aides à la natation conçues pour garantir un degré de flottabilité permettant d’aider les débutants à effectuer des mouvements dans l’eau, lorsqu’ils apprennent à nager ou à effectuer une partie d’un mouvement de natation. Il fournit également des méthodes d’essai pour la vérification du respect de ces exigences.
Le présent document s’applique uniquement aux dispositifs qui sont conçus pour être portés, solidement assujettis au corps, et qui sont dotés d’une flottabilité inhérente ou qui sont gonflables. Elle s’applique uniquement aux dispositifs de classe B destinés à initier l’utilisateur à la gamme de mouvements de natation.
Il ne s'applique pas aux dispositifs de type A ou de type C, aux bouées de traction (pull-buoy), aux bouées de natation, aux bouées de sauvetage, aux aides à la flottabilité, aux gilets de sauvetage ou aux jouets aquatiques.
Le présent document ne s'applique pas aux dispositifs appelés « anneaux de cou pour bébé » visant à maintenir les voies respiratoires de l'utilisateur au-dessus du niveau de l'eau.

Plavajoči pripomočki za učenje plavanja - 1. del: Varnostne zahteve in preskusne metode za plavajoče pripomočke, ki se oblečejo

General Information

Status
Published
Public Enquiry End Date
24-Apr-2018
Publication Date
14-Nov-2021
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
03-Nov-2021
Due Date
08-Jan-2022
Completion Date
15-Nov-2021

Relations

Buy Standard

Standard
EN 13138-1:2021 - BARVE
English language
62 pages
sale 10% off
Preview
sale 10% off
Preview
e-Library read for
1 day
Draft
prEN 13138-1:2018 - BARVE
English language
40 pages
sale 10% off
Preview
sale 10% off
Preview
e-Library read for
1 day

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN 13138-1:2021
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
SIST EN 13138-1:2021 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
SIST EN 13138-1:2021

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
SIST EN 13138-1:2021


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.

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
SIST EN 13138-1:2021
EN 13138-1:2021 (E)
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
2

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
SIST EN 13138-1:2021
EN 13138-1:2021 (E)
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
3

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
SIST EN 13138-1:2021
EN 13138-1:2021 (E)
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

4

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
SIST EN 13138-1:2021
EN 13138-1:2021 (E)
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.
5

---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
SIST EN 13138-1:2021
EN 13138-1:2021 (E)
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).
6

---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
SIST EN 13138-1:2021
EN 13138-1:2021 (E)
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.
7

---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
SIST EN 13138-1:2021
EN 13138-1:2021 (E)
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.
8

---------------------- Page: 10 ----------------------
SIST EN 13138-1:2021
EN 13138-1:2021 (E)
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
9

---------------------- Page: 11 ----------------------
SIST EN 13138-1:2021
EN 13138-1:2021 (E)
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 swimmin
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 13138-1:2018
01-april-2018
3ODYDMRþLSULSRPRþNL]DXþHQMHSODYDQMDGHO9DUQRVWQH]DKWHYHLQSUHVNXVQH
PHWRGH]DSODYDMRþHSULSRPRþNHNLVHREOHþHMR
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: prEN 13138-1
ICS:
13.340.70 5HãLOQLMRSLþLY]JRQVND Lifejackets, buoyancy aids
SRPDJDODLQSODYDMRþL and floating devices
SULSRPRþNL
97.220.40 Oprema za športe na Outdoor and water sports
prostem in vodne športe equipment
oSIST prEN 13138-1:2018 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 13138-1:2018

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 13138-1:2018


DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 13138-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE

EUROPÄISCHE NORM

February 2018
ICS 13.340.70; 97.220.40 Will supersede 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 draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 162.

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
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, 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,
Turkey and United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

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


EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2018 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 13138-1:2018 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 13138-1:2018
prEN 13138-1:2018 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Classification . 10
5 Safety Requirements . 10
5.1 General . 10
5.2 Conspicuity . 11
5.2.1 Requirement . 11
5.2.2 Testing . 11
5.3 Buoyancy . 11
5.3.1 Buoyancy characteristics of the complete device. 11
5.3.2 Residual buoyancy . 11
5.4 Design, fit and positioning . 12
5.4.1 Adjustability — Class B devices . 12
5.4.2 Buckles, zippers and other fixings . 12
5.4.3 Retention of function . 12
5.4.4 Innocuousness . 13
5.5 Entire assembly and components . 13
5.5.1 Integrity of the entire assembly of worn devices . 13
5.5.2 Thread . 13
5.5.3 Valves, stoppers and other protruding parts . 14
5.5.4 Protruding parts . 14
5.6 Materials — Mechanical properties . 14
5.6.1 Seam strength and durability of inflatable devices . 14
5.6.2 Resistance to puncturing . 14
5.6.3 Resistance of foam and other inherent buoyant material to water absorption . 14
5.6.4 Resistance of foam and other inherent buoyant materials to compression . 14
5.7 Materials and markings . 14
5.7.1 General . 14
5.7.2 Resistance to chlorinated salt water . 15
5.7.3 Resistance of the markings to saliva . 15
5.7.4 Resistance of the markings to perspiration . 15
5.7.5 Adhesion of markings . 15
6 Test methods . 15
7 Warnings and markings . 16
7.1 General . 16
7.2 Warnings and markings on the product . 16
7.3 Information supplied by the manufacturer . 17
7.4 Consumer information at the point of sale . 17
Annex A (normative) Procedures for testing resistance of markings to saliva . 19
Annex B (normative) Procedures for testing efficiency of valves of inflatable devices . 20
2

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 13138-1:2018
prEN 13138-1:2018 (E)
Annex C (normative) Security of the pressure release of buckles . 21
Annex D (normative) Procedures for testing adjustability, retention of function, edges,
corners and points by assessment panel . 22
D.1 General . 22
D.2 Assessment of Risks . 22
D.3 Re-assessment of instructions supplied with the device . 22
Annex E (normative) Test procedures for seam strength and durability of inflatable devices . 24
Annex F (normative) Test procedures for determining the puncture resistance of inflatable
devices . 25
Annex G (normative) Conspicuity . 26
G.1 Test sequence . 26
G.2 Test parameter . 26
G.3 Photo tests boards or beamer projection . 26
G.3.1 Size . 26
G.3.2 Photo board/ projection . 26
Annex H (normative) Test procedures for integrity of the entire assembly . 29
H.1 Test description . 29
H.2 Test parameters . 29
Annex I (normative) Detailed illustrations regarding the layout of information symbols,
general safety signs and their arrangement on the product. 30
I.1 Product safety information symbols . 30
I.1.1 General . 30
I.1.2 Graphical Symbols characterising the category of information and heading arrayed
groups of symbols . 30
I.1.3 Graphical Symbols expressing warnings . 30
I.1.4 Graphical Symbols expressing prohibitions . 31
I.1.5 Graphical Symbols expressing instructions . 32
I.1.6 Safety information symbol . 33
I.1.6.1 Size of graphical symbols . 33
I.1.6.2 Colour of graphical symbols . 33
I.1.6.3 Arrangement of graphical symbols . 34
Annex J (normative) Test procedure for entanglement on protruding parts . 37
Annex K (informative) Significant changes between this document and the previous edition
of EN 13138-1:2014 . 38
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 . 39
Bibliography . 40
3

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 13138-1:2018
prEN 13138-1:2018 (E)

European foreword
This document (prEN 13138-1:2018) 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 document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 13138-1:2014.
Annex K provides details of significant technical changes between this European Standard and the
previous edition EN 13138-1:2014.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directives, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
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:
— 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
— Part 4: In-water performance testing of buoyant aids to be worn
4

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 13138-1:2018
prEN 13138-1:2018 (E)
Introduction
The entire process of learning to swim is considered to include two stages:
— getting familiar with the water environment and movements in it;
— 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 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
devices will by itself eliminate the risk of drowning as this depends also on the behaviour of the user
and any supervision.
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
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 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 do not apply to this European
Standard.
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 four 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
of the process to learn to swim.
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
5

---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 13138-1:2018
prEN 13138-1:2018 (E)
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 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
seat in case of emergency.
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.
6

---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 13138-1:2018
prEN 13138-1:2018 (E)
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies safety requirements for construction, performance, sizing, marking
and information supplied by the manufacturer for swimming aids intended 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 part 1 of prEN 13138 applies only to 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
devices intended to introduce the user to the range of swimming strokes. It does not apply to Class A or
Class C devices, to pull buoys, swim rings, lifebuoys, buoyancy aids, lifejackets or aquatic toys.
This document (prEN13138-1:2018) applies only in connection with prEN 13138-4:2018.
2 Normative references
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 71-1, Safety of toys — Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties
prEN 13138-4:2018, Buoyant aids for swimming instruction — Part 4: In-water performance testing of
buoyant aids for swimming instructions to be worn
EN 20105-A02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change in colour
(ISO 105-A02)
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, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part E04: Colour fastness to perspiration (ISO
105-E04)
EN ISO 105-X12, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part X12: Colour fastness to rubbing (ISO 105-
X12)
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
requirements and test methods (ISO 12402-7:2006)
EN ISO 12402-9:2006, Personal flotation devices — Part 9: Test methods (ISO 12402-9:2006)
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 http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
7

---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 13138-1:2018
prEN 13138-1:2018 (E)
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 (in brief "swimming device")
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
strokes
3.4
minimum buoyancy
least buoyancy required by the standard
3.5
original buoyancy
buoyancy provided by the complete device when first tested
3.6
class A device
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
the surface of the water.
Note 1 to entry: This device is intended to allow the user to become familiar with the water environment.
3.7
class B device
buoyant 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 device
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
device to be worn
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
with buoyancy
3.10
device to be held
device held either in the hands or by the body and provides buoyancy whilst it is being held by the user
8

---------------------- Page: 10 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 13138-1:2018
prEN 13138-1:2018 (E)
3.11
conditioning
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
3.12
component
sub-group of the entire device which contributes to either buoyancy, function or safety
3.13
swim seat
buoyant 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.
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 an emergency capsizing
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 who are appointed by a test house, all of whom are experienced in assessing
buoyant swimming devices
3.17
kick board
buoyant device designed to be held in the hands or by the arms in order to support the body in the
water to assist the user to improve swimming strokes
3.18
turning-lifting-capacity (TLC)
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
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
9

---------------------- Page: 11 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 13138-1:2018
prEN 13138-1:2018 (E)
4 Classification
Buoyant swimming devices shall be classified according to Table 1.
Table 1 — Classification of buoyant devices
Class Definition
Buoyant device in which the child is in contact with the water positioned inside the buoyant
structure. This device is intended to allow the user to become familiar with the water
A
environment. 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
B
introduce the active user to the range of swimming strokes.
Device intended to be held either in the hands or by the body and to assist with swimming
C
strokes and/or improving specific elements of the strokes
5 Safety Requirements
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
...

Questions, Comments and Discussion

Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.