Aqua Lung Recalls Buoyancy Compensators Due to Drowning Hazard
Recall 13146 · Mar 21, 2013 · Aqua Lung
110,000
units affected
110,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 13146
- Date
- Mar 21, 2013
- Company
- Aqua Lung
- Units affected
- 110,000
- Product
- Aqua Lung buoyancy compensators with SureLock II weight pocket handles
- Product type
- Scuba Diving
- Remedy
- Replacement
- Hazard
- Drowning
The product
This recall involves all Aqua Lung buoyancy compensators with SureLock II rubber handles attached to weight pockets, including the following models: Axiom, Axiom i3, Balance, Black Diamond, Dimension, Libra, Lotus, Pearl, Pearl i3, Pro LT, Pro QD, Pro QDi3 and Zuma buoyancy compensators. The SureLock II handles are gray rubber and measure about 2 inches tall by 4 inches wide. The buoyancy compensator's model name is embroidered on the inside back pad or the weight pocket's right lobe. "SureLock" is molded into the back of the weight pocket.
What can happen
The rubber handles can detach as divers are trying to remove the weight pockets to rise to the surface in an emergency. This poses a drowning hazard.
The fix
Consumers should stop using the recalled buoyancy compensators and return the two weight pockets to an authorized Aqua Lung dealer to receive a free inspection and free replacement for recalled weight pocket handles.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Aqua Lung is aware of 236 reports of handles detaching from the weight pockets. There are no reported injuries.
- Sold at
- Sporting goods and scuba diving stores nationwide from September 2008 through September 2012 for between $460 and $700 for the buoyancy compensator with the weight pockets.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled aqua lung buoyancy compensators with surelock ii weight pocket handles?
Consumers should stop using the recalled buoyancy compensators and return the two weight pockets to an authorized Aqua Lung dealer to receive a free inspection and free replacement for recalled weight pocket handles.
What is the hazard?
The rubber handles can detach as divers are trying to remove the weight pockets to rise to the surface in an emergency. This poses a drowning hazard.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.