The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·13146·Announced 2013-03-21

Aqua Lung Recalls Buoyancy Compensators Due to Drowning Hazard

Aqua Lung is recalling about 110,000 buoyancy compensators because rubber weight pocket handles can detach, posing a drowning hazard.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (drowning hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Aqua Lung America is recalling approximately 110,000 buoyancy compensators equipped with SureLock II weight pocket handles. The recall includes specific models such as the Axiom, Balance, Black Diamond, and Zuma. The SureLock II handles are gray rubber, measuring about 2 inches tall by 4 inches wide, and are attached to the weight pockets of the equipment.

The recall is being issued because the rubber handles can detach while divers are attempting to remove the weight pockets to rise to the surface during an emergency. This failure mode poses a drowning hazard. Aqua Lung is aware of 236 reports of handles detaching from the weight pockets, but there are no reported injuries associated with these incidents.

The affected products were sold at sporting goods and scuba diving stores nationwide from September 2008 through September 2012 for between $460 and $700. Consumers should stop using the recalled buoyancy compensators immediately. They should return the two weight pockets to an authorized Aqua Lung dealer to receive a free inspection and free replacement of the recalled weight pocket handles. For more information, consumers can contact Aqua Lung toll-free at (855) 355-7170 or visit www.aqualung.com.

The recalled product

Product
Aqua Lung buoyancy compensators with SureLock II weight pocket handles
Affected units
110,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.