Authority issues warning on children's bathing costumes

After a series of inspections conducted by the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, it has been noted that a number of bathing costumes for young children do not meet the requirements of the applicable standard and legislation.

Manufacturers, distributors, importers and retailers must ensure that cords and drawstrings in children's costumes comply with the European Standard MSA EN14682:2007 or provide an equivalent level of safety.

 Parents and caregivers can also follow basic recommendations, including:

• Bathing costumes for children up to 7 years (height 1.34 m) should not have cords or drawstrings in the neck area.

• Bathing costumes for 7 to 14 year olds should not have cords longer than 75 mm (7,5 cm) in the neck area or drawstrings with free ends.

• Halter neck-style children's bathing costumes should not have loose ends in the neck area.

• Bathing costumes for children should not have cords or drawstrings with free ends longer than 140 mm (14 cm) in the waist area.

• The Authority suggested that if children's bathing costumes already purchased do not meet the above requirements one could make them safer by removing the cord or drawstring, cutting them off or shortening them.