How to Use Your Inflatable Swim Shirt
How do you inflate the blow shirt?
Insert the CO2 cartridge into the inflator. Pull down sharply on the red toggle. The cartridge should be replaced before using the blow shirt again. Alternatively, you can inflate the blow shirt by blowing into the red tube.
Is my blow shirt a lifejacket?
The HERO Laguna model is COAST GUARD CERTIFIED as a lifejacket. Check with your local authorities if you are unsure if it complies with your intended use.
Can I wear my inflatable blow shirt on a boat?
You should always check with your local authorities to find out what standard of protection is required when participating in any water-based activities. The Laguna model blow shirt is certified as a CG certified lifejacket. The Bondi model (only available in 3XL and 4XL) is ISO certified as a Level 50 buoyancy aid.
Can I wear my blow shirt inflated?
The blow shirt can be worn as a normal rash guard or inflated.
Can I orally inflate the blow shirt and auto inflate as well?
You should never inflate your blow shirt by the oral inflation tube and activate inflation via the CO2 cartridge at the same time. This could severely damage the inflation chamber and cause it to fail.
Can I inflate the blow shirt and add more air through the oral tube?
If you have activated the inflation of your blow shirt via the CO2 cartridge and feel it needs more air you can blow into the oral inflation tube to “top up” the inflation chamber if required.
Can I partially inflate my blow shirt?
The blow shirt can be partially inflated. This can be very useful when learning to swim, snorkeling, surfing, water skiing etc. If your blow shirt is partially inflated you should not activate the CO2 cartridge at the same time as the extra volume in the inflation chamber could damage the chamber.
What if it doesn’t inflate when I pull the cord?
If the shirt does not inflate you can inflate it by blowing into the oral inflation tube located in the opening on the right side of the shirt near your shoulder. You should also check to see that the cord is not tangled and is moving freely. If the shirt still fails to inflate you should not wear it until the problem has been identified and resolved.
Can I wear my blow shirt under clothing?
Wearing your blow shirt under clothing or a wetsuit may affect its performance and hinder its activation. Your blow shirt can be worn over a tee shirt or wetsuit so long as it does not hinder activation.
Can I use my blow shirt in a pool?
The blow shirt can be used in salt water, fresh water or in swimming pools. After each use your blow shirt should be rinsed well as per our cleaning instructions.
How do I deflate my blow shirt?
To deflate your blow shirt locate the cap that is on the top of the oral inflation tube. Turn the cap over and push the raised section of the cap into the top of the tube. When this is being done you should be able to hear the CO2 escaping from the inflation chamber. While pressing the cap down on the oral tube gently press against your shirt to help expel all of the CO2. Make sure that your inflation chamber is completely deflated before activating your CO2 cartridge again.
Sizing & Cleaning
How often should I clean my blow shirt?
Blow shirts should be rinsed in fresh clean water after each use and placed on a plastic coat hanger to dry out of direct sunlight. It is recommended that special attention is paid to the UML inflator. Threads should be rinsed well removing any salt, sand or silt around the activator.
Can I wash the blow shirt?
Your blow shirt can be hand washed in cold water with a gentle soap. Remove the inflation chamber prior to washing. Dry in a shaded location on a plastic coat hanger out of direct sunlight.
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Do not use bleach or strong detergents.
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Do not tumble dry.
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Do not iron.
Cartridge Replacement
How many times can I use the shirt before replacing the CO2 cartridge?
Cartridges are not reusable, once used they should be replaced with a HERO certified CO2 cartridge and safety clip before the shirt is worn again. The CO2 cartridge should be replaced after activation or at least every 12 months. CO2 cartridges have a shelf life and must be replaced at regular intervals with the correct size and certified HERO CO2 cartridge.
Can I use any cartridge?
HERO shirts use certified CO2 cartridges. You should only use a HERO certified cartridge when replacing spent cartridges. HERO certified cartridges have the correct amount of CO2 ensuring your shirt will inflate. Cartridges which are not certified may fail to inflate your shirt to the correct level.
Where do I buy replacement cartridges?
HERO CO2 cartridges are available through our online shop.
What size cartridge do I need?
It is vital to use the correct size CO2 replacement cartridge. Your blow shirt shirt was supplied with the correct volume cartridge. The cartridge size required for your shirt is printed on the inflation bladder.
Can I use more than one cartridge to inflate my hero?
You should never use more than one correct size cartridge to inflate your blow shirt. If your failed blow shirt to inflate fully you can use the oral inflation tube to add more air. Never add more CO2 by activating another CO2 cartridge, this could severely damage your shirt.
What is the auto-activation sensing cartridge?
For the HERO Bondi model (ISO certified), the water sensing cartridge will be green in color if unused. If the auto sensing cartridge has been activated the bottom of the cartridge will show a red disc. The cartridge can only be used once. If activated, it will need to be replaced with the correct UML part, available through the SOS online shop. The autosensing cartridge is located on the bottom of the UML inflator. The autosensing cartridge should only be used if you are not intending on entering the water (fishing from a jetty or rocks, etc.) When fitted to the shirt, it will self-activate and inflate the shirt if you fall into the water. THE ENTIRE CARTRIDGE MUST BE REPLACED IF USED.
For the HERO Laguna model (Coast Guard certified), the bottom of the auto sensing cartridge will be green in color if unused. If the auto sensing cartridge has been activated, the bottom of the cartridge will show a red disc. The internal bobbin can only be used once. If activated, it will need to be replaced with another bobbin which is available through the SOS online shop. ONLY THE BOBBIN MUST BE REPLACED.
Can I replace the shirt and inflation chamber?
If your HERO Rash Guard Shirt or inflation chamber has been damaged or the shirt has worn out you can buy a replacement through our online shop. When ordering a replacement it is important the correct size inflation chamber is used.
