Product safety reportOPSS
GARVEE Buoyancy Aid safety warning over a drowning risk
Product Safety Report for GARVEE Buoyancy Aid presenting a serious risk of drowning.
Do not use it for swimming or bathing.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice
Check your product
Only products that match these details are covered. Have your pack in front of you.
4 identifiers listed for this notice.
GARVEE Buoyancy Aid
- Batch codePrinted on the pack, often next to the date mark. It may start with L or LOT.
- 26030976
- ModelOn the rating label, base, back or box.
- AGJ003
- Item or listing codeOn the box, the label, or the order page where you bought it.
- PSS_33RNYCKA
- Date codeOn the product, its label or its packaging.
- 2026.03.18
What to do now
GARVEE Buoyancy Aid could contribute to drowning.
- Do not use it for swimming or bathing.
- Never leave a child alone in or near water, even for a moment.
- Because the product was found unsafe on an online marketplace, use the platform’s order page to contact the seller.
- Report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service if the seller does not respond.
Why it matters. Drowning is fast and silent. Bath seats, inflatables and swim aids can give a false sense of security.
Getting your money back
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection.
If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2609-0066). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for GARVEE Buoyancy Aid presenting a serious risk of drowning.
The risk
The product presents a serious risk of drowning as it 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. Improvements are also required to product labelling and marking.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation 2016/425 or the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.
Action taken
The import has been rejected at the border and destroyed.
Advice to consumers
The import has been rejected at the border and destroyed.
Additional information
PSD notification number: 2609-0066
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product 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.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has GARVEE Buoyancy Aid been reported?
GARVEE Buoyancy Aid could contribute to drowning. Drowning is fast and silent. Bath seats, inflatables and swim aids can give a false sense of security.
How do I know if my product is affected?
Compare the batch code, model, item or listing code and date code on your product with the details listed under “Check your product” on this page. Only items that match are covered by the notice.
What should I do now?
Do not use it for swimming or bathing. Never leave a child alone in or near water, even for a moment.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection. If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
