GARVEE – Buoyancy aid
Name: Buoyancy Aid
Category: 10
Date: 2026-10-16
Product Category: Protective equipment
Risk Type: Drowning
Danger: The product is marketed and packaged as a “life jacket”, despite being identified within the product documentation and markings as a 50N buoyancy aid. A buoyancy aid does not provide the same level of protection as a life jacket and requires active participation from the wearer to remain afloat, whereas a life jacket is designed to provide face-up flotation without user intervention. The misleading description may cause consumers to overestimate the level of protection offered and use the product in circumstances for which it is not suitable, increasing the risk of drowning. The product does not comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (PPE).
Measures: Type of economic operator to whom the measure(s) were ordered: ImporterCategory of measure(s): Import rejected at borderDate of entry into force: UnknownType of economic operator to whom the measure(s) were ordered: ImporterCategory of measure(s): Destruction of the productDate of entry into force: Unknown
Description: Buoyancy aid with adjustable belt as well as attached whistle. It is identified as a “life jacket” on the box but as a “buoyancy aid” on the product.
Notifying Country: United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland
Country of Origin: People’s Republic of China
Alert Type: Consumer
Alert Level: Serious risk
