DIN EN 13138-3:2015-02

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 (that is 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 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. This standard includes safety requirements within the meaning of the Produktsicherheitsgesetz (ProdSG) (German Product Safety Act). This document (EN 13138-3:2014) 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 (Germany). The responsible German body involved in its preparation was the DIN-Normenausschuss Sport- und Freizeitgerät (DIN Standards Committee Sports Equipment) (NASport), Working Committee NA 112-04-04 AA "Wasserrettungs- und Sicherheitsmittel" ("Lifesaving in water and safety equipment").