What is BS EN 13138‑3 about?
BS EN 13138‑3 is the third part of multi-series on buoyant aids for swimming instruction. BS EN 13138‑3 specifies safety requirements for the design, sizing, materials, strength, and in-water performance for swim seats. BS EN 13138‑3 also guides you with provisions for marking and the information you need to supply as a manufacturer for swim seats. BS EN 13138‑3 also specifies the relevant test methods.
Note: BS EN 13138‑3 applies only to swimming devices into which the user is placed, and which have either inherent buoyancy or can be inflated or a combination of both.
Note 1: BS EN 13138‑3 applies to class A swimming devices intended to introduce the user to the water environment. These swimming devices are only intended for children aged up to 36 months with a body mass less than or equal to 19 kg.
Note 2: BS EN 13138‑3 does not apply to class B or class C swimming devices, to pull buoys, lifebuoys, buoyancy aids, lifejackets, or aquatic toys.
Who is BS EN 13138‑3 for?
BS EN 13138‑3 on buoyant aids for swimming instruction is used by:
- Manufacturer for swim seats
- Suppliers for swim seats
- Lifeguards
- Public pool officials
- Swimming instructors
Why should you use BS EN 13138‑3?
Buoyant aids for swimming instructions are intended to assist users (children) to learn to swim. The design and purpose of the swimming devices are related to the above stages.
BS EN 13138‑3 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 as it is important to ensure that they are securely fitted to the appropriate size of the user and that when correctly fitted, they cannot become displaced. Swim seats however should allow immediate escape in case of capsizing.
Swim seats complying with BS EN 13138‑3 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 the specified body mass, breaking waves and violent external forces are remaining risks that can cause capsizing. Use of these devices in water that is of the child’s standing depth will increase the risk of capsizing and will hinder or block the escape from the seat in case of emergency.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 13138‑3:2021 supersedes EN 13138-3:2014, which has been editorially revised throughout.
