ISO 25649-3:2017

Overview

ISO 25649-3:2017 - Floating leisure articles for use on and in the water - Part 3: Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for Class A devices - sets additional safety, performance and testing requirements for large recreational floating products. It applies to Class A floating leisure articles (inflatable or inherently buoyant) - for example floating islands, large rafts, giant tubes, air mattresses, sun beds and pontoons - intended for pools and protected lake or sea shore areas.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and application: Applies only to Class A devices and is intended to be used together with ISO 25649‑1 (classification, materials, general requirements and test methods) and ISO 25649‑2 (consumer information).
• Design and construction: Requirements to ensure design, sizing, strength and durability are appropriate for intended use; construction must not turn primary flotation devices into toys or change their primary safety function.
• Sizing and marking: Devices must be marked for admissible number of users and maximum load capacity. Where relevant, user body-weight ranges and intended postures (lying, sitting) must be indicated and verified against templates referenced in ISO 25649‑1.
• Floating performance: Requirements and test methods addressing buoyancy, residual buoyancy (ability to remain safe if a buoyancy chamber fails), and floating stability (no user action required to maintain safe floating).
• Safety features and tests: Rules for capsizing and escape, grab handles and safety lines, re-embarkation after failure of an air chamber, behaviour of high superstructures (wind/drift) and anchorage; strength testing for large integrated structures (e.g., giant rings with bottoms).
• Consumer information: Labeling, point-of-sale information and instructions for safe use, assembly, maintenance and repair; clear communication on whether the device provides floating stability or requires user balancing.
• Test reporting and exclusions: Requirements for test reports and specification of product types excluded from this part.

Applications and users

ISO 25649-3:2017 is used by:

• Manufacturers and designers of large floating leisure articles (floating islands, rafts, air mattresses).
• Product safety and compliance engineers performing design verification and type testing.
• Testing laboratories applying standard test methods for buoyancy, stability and strength.
• Retailers and procurement specialists who need to verify labeling and consumer information.
• Regulators and facility operators responsible for safe use in pools, ponds and protected shorelines.

Related standards

• ISO 25649-1:2017 - Classification, materials, general requirements and test methods
• ISO 25649-2 - Consumer information

Keywords: ISO 25649-3:2017, floating leisure articles, Class A, safety requirements, test methods, residual buoyancy, floating stability, air mattresses, floating islands.