ISO 25649-3:2024

Overview

ISO 25649-3:2024 - "Floating leisure articles for use on and in the water - Part 3" provides additional specific safety requirements and test methods for Class A floating leisure articles. It applies whether buoyancy is achieved by inflation or by inherent buoyant material. The standard complements ISO 25649-1 and ISO 25649-2 by focusing on large recreational floats such as floating islands, large rafts, giant tubes, air mattresses, sun beds, floating armchairs and pontoons intended for protected waters (pools, ponds, sheltered lakes and seashores).

Key Topics and Requirements

The standard addresses safety and performance areas that manufacturers, testers and regulators need to consider:

• Design and sizing: requirements on construction, intended use, and that appearance must not change primary function or introduce toy-like play value.
• Admissible number of users and maximum load capacity: rules for spacing per person and safe loading (referenced to ISO 25649-1 classification).
• In-water performance: tests and criteria for buoyancy, floating stability, and maintenance of a stable floating position.
• Residual buoyancy: mandatory provision of remaining buoyancy if one buoyancy chamber fails (air-chamber or sealed compartments).
• Capsizing and escape: requirements to enable users to separate from the device safely in case of capsize.
• Grab handles, safety lines and re-embarkation: placement and strength considerations (with air mattresses excluded for certain requirements).
• Superstructure and wind/drift behavior: special provisions for high superstructures that affect stability and drift.
• Fixation methods and overall strength: including strength testing of large rings, platforms and attachment points.
• Consumer information and labeling: point-of-sale, product and instruction requirements to communicate safe use, limitations and maintenance.
• Test reporting and exclusions: documentation expected from test laboratories and scope limits.

Practical Applications

ISO 25649-3:2024 is used to:

• Guide design and product development for manufacturers of Class A floating leisure articles.
• Define type-testing and certification procedures for test labs and conformity assessment bodies.
• Inform retailers and importers about labeling and consumer information obligations.
• Support safety assessments and procurement by operators of pools, water parks and rental services.

Who Should Use This Standard

• Manufacturers and product designers of inflatable and inherently buoyant leisure floats
• Testing laboratories and conformity assessment bodies
• Safety managers at aquatic facilities, rentals and resorts
• Regulators and standards committees

Related Standards

• ISO 25649-1:2024 - Classification, materials, general requirements and test methods
• ISO 25649-2:2024 - Consumer information

Keywords: ISO 25649-3:2024, floating leisure articles, Class A, safety requirements, test methods, buoyancy, floating stability, residual buoyancy, inflatable floats, air mattresses, pontoons.