Summary

Helly Hansen, in cooperation with the Swiss Accident Prevention Institute (BFU), is recalling several swimming aid models. Affected products include the Sport II in size XXS as well as all Comfort Compact 50N, Rider Qajaq/Kayak Vests and Rider Foil Race Swimming Aids. The reason for the recall is manufacturing defects that cause the products to not comply with applicable safety standards. There is acute risk of drowning. Consumers should immediately stop using the affected swimming aids and destroy them according to instructions. Full refund or a voucher for other products is available.

People

  • Helly Hansen (Manufacturer)
  • Swiss Accident Prevention Institute BFU (Cooperation Partner)

Topics

  • Product Safety
  • Water Safety
  • Consumer Protection
  • Recall Management

Clarus Lead

The recall underscores the importance of regular safety inspections in the sports equipment industry. The cooperation between manufacturer and government agency signals a functioning warning system for dangerous products. Consumers should check their existing swimming aids, especially if they are intended for children in the weight range of 30–40 kg.

Detailed Summary

The recall affects specific models and batches of the Helly Hansen brand. For the Sport II in size XXS, nine order numbers have been identified (271011, 271012, 272150, 271612, 275325, 275969, 279873, 281286, 291307) that are designed for body weights between 30 and 40 kilograms. Additionally, all units of the models Comfort Compact 50N, Rider Qajaq/Kayak Vests and Rider Foil Race are affected, regardless of size or order number.

The manufacturing defects cause these swimming aids to not meet applicable certified standards. This poses a significant safety risk, particularly in water sports and water transport. Affected consumers are urged to immediately remove the products from circulation and destroy them according to the instructions in an enclosed information letter. Subsequently, they can contact Helly Hansen directly to receive a full refund or a voucher for alternative products.

Key Statements

  • Several swimming aid models from Helly Hansen have manufacturing defects that pose a drowning risk
  • Affected products do not comply with applicable safety standards and must be immediately removed from circulation
  • Consumers are entitled to full refund or voucher replacement

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence/Data Quality: What specific tests or incidents led to the discovery of the manufacturing defects, and how were these documented?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: How long was Helly Hansen already aware of the defects before the public recall was initiated?

  3. Causality: Are there known accident reports or injuries that can be directly attributed to these manufacturing defects?

  4. Feasibility: How is it ensured that consumers correctly follow the destruction instructions and that the products are not passed on?

  5. Scope: In which countries or distribution channels were these defective swimming aids sold?

Source List

Primary Source: Swiss Federal Government – Product Recall Swimming Aids Helly Hansen – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/TR2jXlPctyuMorPJ2We3T

Contact for Affected Parties:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Contact Form: https://www.hellyhansen.com/customer-service/contact/form

Verification Status: ✓ 11.06.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 11.06.2026