The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·23021·Announced 2022-10-20

AQUALUNG Apeks Exotec SCUBA Buoyancy Compensators Recalled for Drowning Hazard

AQUALUNG is recalling Apeks Exotec SCUBA diving buoyancy compensator devices because the dump valve knob can get stuck when inflated, preventing the device from fully inflating and creating a drowning hazard. Approximately 330 units sold nationwide from August 2021 through June 2022 are affected.

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: This recall presents a high-risk-of-harm scenario (drowning and decompression sickness are serious hazards in SCUBA diving context), and the source explicitly states no injuries have been reported. Per the rubric, risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported score as High (3).

Plain-English summary

AQUALUNG Group, of Carlsbad, California, is recalling Apeks Exotec SCUBA Diving Buoyancy Compensator Devices (BCDs). The Exotec is a back flotation-style BCD used to control a SCUBA diver's buoyancy underwater. Only model numbers BT1380108ML, BT1380108XLXXL, BT1380110ML, and BT1380110XLXXL are included in this recall.

The dump valve knob can get stuck when the recalled BCD is inflated, which opens the dump valve and stops the BCD from fully inflating. This results in loss of buoyancy control and poses risk of decompression sickness and drowning. The firm has received one report of buoyancy control loss due to a dump valve stuck open, but no injuries have been reported.

Approximately 330 units were sold through dive stores nationwide and online at Aqualung.com and other diver supply online retailers from August 2021 through June 2022 for about $1,000 per unit.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled devices and return them to the place of purchase for a free repair. If unable to return the product to a dealer, consumers should contact AQUALUNG toll-free at 877-379-7694 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, email [email protected], or visit https://us.aqualung.com/en/recall-information.html or www.aqualung.com (click Recall Information at the bottom of the page) for instructions on receiving a free repair.

The recalled product

Product
Apeks Exotec SCUBA Diving Buoyancy Compensator Devices (BCDs)
Manufacturer
AQUALUNG Group, of Carlsbad, California
Category
Consumer Product — Sporting Equipment / SCUBA Diving
Hazard
  • buoyancy-loss
  • drowning
  • decompression-sickness
  • stuck-valve
Affected units
330

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same category