Diving Buoyancy Gear Recalled Due to Drowning Risk

May 3, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that WRK Enterprises dba Edge Dive Gear of Macon, GA has recalled buoyancy control devices (BCD) used in underwater diving because a faulty part can make the products a drowning hazard.

A buoyancy control device (BCD) is a jacket, vest, donut or back flotation device worn by a diver that contains adjustable air bladders that allow the diver to adjust their buoyancy for ascent or descent.

Affected by this recall are the Edge Freedom and Stealth models, HOG (Highly Optimized Gear) 32lb Wing, and Sea Elite Scout and Profile models. Consumers may have purchased these products nationwide between May 2009 and October 2010 at diving supply stores or online for between $199 and $250. Retailers in Canada also sold these products. This recall affects 1,155 units in the United States and 68 units in Canada.

According to the CPSC, corrosion and breakage of a spring in the over pressure valve can cause a failure of the BCD to retain air, creating a drowning hazard for the diver.

Edge and HOG Products Recalled:

Edge Freedom – A black and blue colored heavyweight nylon jacket BCD. Consumers can identify this model by the word “Edge” on the flap over the corrugated hose, “Freedom” printed in white on the right front panel and the following serial numbers on a tag in the front right zipper pocket:

Edge Stealth – A black and grey colored heavyweight nylon back flotation BC. Consumers can identify this product by the word “Edge” on the flap over the corrugated hose, “ Stealth” printed in white on the right hand strap and serial numbers 000658 to 000697 printed on a tag in a small zippered pocket under the left weight pocket.

HOG 32lb Wing – A black heavyweight nylon, oval shaped BCD. Consumers can identify this product by the HOG logo consisting of a boar’s head and words HIGHLY OPTIMIZED GEAR HOG inside an oval. Serial numbers 9042128 to 9042128 are inside a zippered pocket, printed on a tag attached to the inner bladder of the wing.

Sea Elite Products Recalled:

Sea Elite Stealth – A black and blue lightweight nylon jacket BCD. Consumers can identify these products by the words “Sea Elite” on a flap over the corrugated hose and “Scout” printed on the right front panel. Serial numbers 001229 to 001244 and 001246 to 001489 can be found on a tag inside the front pocket.

Sea Elite Profile – A black and blue heavyweight nylon jacket BCD. Consumers can identify these products by the words “Sea Elite” on a flap over the corrugated hose and “Profile” printed on the right front panel. They can find the following serial numbers on a tag in the front pocket:

Consumers should stop using these defective products immediately and return them to an authorized dealer for a free repair or call 1-888-370-3483 for more information.