Overview
ISO 25649-5:2017 specifies additional specific safety requirements and test methods for Class C floating leisure articles used on and in the water. It applies to towable, high‑speed recreational devices (whether buoyancy is by inflation or inherent buoyant materials) and is intended to be used together with ISO 25649‑1 (classification, general requirements and test methods) and ISO 25649‑2 (consumer information). Typical Class C products include tube riders with interior holding facilities and closed cockpits, raft riders, board riders and banana‑type towables, normally used away from crowded bathing areas in calm, wide open water.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 25649‑5 focuses on practical safety and performance aspects relevant to high‑speed towables. Important technical topics covered include:
- Design and sizing - requirements for admissible number of users, space per person and maximum load capacity.
- Grab handles and grips - availability, strength and placement to avoid entrapment.
- Buoyancy requirements - buoyancy, residual buoyancy after chamber failure, and means to assist re‑embarkation.
- Entrapment and entanglement - prevention of foot, leg, torso entrapment and accessible protruding parts.
- Towing system and rope - attachment strength, elasticity, floatability and colour of towing rope, and quick‑release considerations.
- In‑water performance tests - selection of test subjects and assessment panels, test course, speeds, manoeuvres, capsizing, drainage efficiency and re‑embarkation practical tests.
- Consumer information & signals - documented intended use, responsibilities (driver, observer, rider), written warnings, hand signals and signal devices.
- Pass/fail criteria - defined performance outcomes from practical testing.
Applications and who uses ISO 25649‑5
This standard is useful for:
- Manufacturers and designers of towable recreational devices to ensure compliant product design and labeling.
- Testing laboratories and certification bodies performing Type and performance tests for Class C devices.
- Rental operators and waterpark managers assessing safety, load limits and operational procedures.
- Regulators and standards committees referencing harmonized safety requirements for recreational towables.
- Product safety engineers and purchasers evaluating risk (e.g., entrapment, towing failures, re‑embarkation).
Related standards
- ISO 25649‑1 - Classification, materials, general requirements and test methods (to be applied together).
- ISO 25649‑2 - Consumer information (labelling, warnings, instructions).
- ISO 12402 series referenced for Personal Floating Device (PFD) terminology.
ISO 25649‑5:2017 is essential for ensuring safe design, testing and user guidance of Class C towable floating leisure articles, reducing risks associated with high‑speed towing, capsizing and entrapment.