What is BS EN 13138‑1 about?
BS EN 13138‑1 is the first part of a multi-series on buoyant aids for swimming instruction. BS EN 13138‑1 specifies safety and in-water performance requirements for the construction, sizing, marking and information supplied by the manufacturer for swimming aids.
These swimming aids are 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. BS EN 13138‑1 also specifies methods of test for verification of these requirements.
Note 1: BS EN 13138‑1 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. BS EN 13138‑1 only applies to class B swimming devices intended to introduce the user to the range of swimming strokes.
Note 2: BS EN 13138‑1 does not apply to class A or class C swimming devices, to pull buoys, swim rings, lifebuoys, buoyancy aids, lifejackets, or aquatic toys.
Note 3: BS EN 13138‑1 is not applicable for products known as 'baby neck rings' aiming to keep the user's airways above the water level.
Who is BS EN 13138‑1 for?
BS EN 13138‑1 on buoyant aids for swimming instruction is useful for:
- Manufacturers and distributors of buoyant swimming aids
- Lifeguards
- Public pool officials
- Swimming instructors
Why should you use BS EN 13138‑1?
Buoyant aids for swimming instructions are intended to assist users (children) to learn to swim. The design and purpose of the swimming devices are to give the user positive buoyancy in the water while maintaining the correct body position for swimming.
BS EN 13138‑1 set 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 children 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 13138‑1 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 supervision.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 13138‑1:2021 supersedes EN 13138-1:2014, which has been editorially revised throughout.