Expanded Recall of Aqua Lung Buoyancy Compensators – Drowning Hazard

Aqua Lung has recalled over 41,300 Buoyancy Compensators with SureLock II weight pocket handles in the U.S. and Canada, in addition to the 110,000 handles that were recalled in the United States in March 2013 and then replaced. The rubber handles that allow quick access to the weight pockets can detach as divers are trying to remove them to rise to the surface in event of an emergency, which poses a drowning hazard for the user.

Since the initial recall of March 2013, Aqua Lung has been made aware of an additional 50 reports of the handles detaching from the weight pockets, but no injuries have been reported yet. Users are advised to stop using the recalled buoyancy compensators immediately and return the two weight pockets to an authorized Aqua Lung dealer to receive a free inspection and free newly-designed replacement handles.

This recall involves all Aqua Lung buoyancy compensator vests with SureLock II rubber handles attached to the weight pockets, including those with SureLock II handles that were replaced in the previous recall. The handles are gray rubber, measure about 2 inches tall by 4 inches wide and extend from the forward end of the ditchable weight pockets. SureLock II handles were installed in most Aqua Lung and one model of Apeks buoyancy compensators including: all discontinued Black Diamond, Pro QD and Pro QDi3 models with serial numbers lower than BB408620.

The recall includes all:
Apeks Black Ice, Axiom, Axiom i3, Balance, Dimension, Libra, Lotus, Pearl, Pearl i3, ProLT and Zuma models with serial numbers lower than BB408620.
The buoyancy compensator’s model name is embroidered on the inside back pad or on the right lobe. “Sure Lock” is molded into the back of the weight pocket. The serial numbers are located on a tag under the back pad of the buoyance compensator or inside the pocket. Earlier models could have the number printed on a tag behind the hook and loop inflator hold down on the left shoulder.

These models were purchased from sporting goods and scuba diving stores nationwide from September 2008 to October 2014. For the buoyancy compensator with the weight pockets the average price ranged from about $460 to $700.

Aqua Lung America, of Vista, Calif.
Aqua Lung toll-free at (855) 355-7170 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or www.aqualung.com and click on Recall Notice for more information.