Aqua Lung Recalls Buoyancy Compensators Due to Drowning Hazard

News provided by

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Mar 21, 2013, 11:45 ET

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumers should stop using this product, which is being recalled voluntarily, unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO)

Recall Summary

Name of product: Aqua Lung buoyancy compensators with SureLock II weight pocket handles

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.

Remedy: Replace
Consumer Contact: Aqua Lung; toll-free at (855) 355-7170 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.aqualung.com and click on Recall Notice for more information.

Recall Details

Units: About 110,000

Description: 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.

Incidents/Injuries: Aqua Lung is aware of 236 reports of handles detaching from the weight pockets. There are no reported injuries.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Importer: Aqua Lung America, of Vista, Calif.
Manufactured in: China and Mexico

Photos available at http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Aqua-Lung-Recalls-Buoyancy-Compensators

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

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SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission