What is the BFU?
The Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) is a private, politically independent foundation dedicated with great passion to the safety of people in Switzerland. Its mission is to protect lives and prevent accidents – where they happen most often: on the road, during sports, at home, and in leisure activities. With a clear legal mandate, the BFU raises awareness, provides guidance, and fosters understanding – always with a focus on what truly matters: that we can go through life healthy and safe.
As a competence center within the Swiss network bildung + gesundheit (education + health), it also supports teachers in fostering a strong sense of safety awareness among children and young people – for example, with practical teaching aids. Because safety begins with knowledge – and with the will to take responsibility for one another.
What is the Release Mechanism?
The release mechanism is a safety feature designed to automatically disconnect the link between the swim buoy and the swimmer when needed. When a pulling force of around 15 kilograms is applied, the buoy detaches from the leash, preventing the swimmer from being put in danger by a buoy caught on an obstacle.
This function is particularly valuable in rivers with strong currents, where the leash can easily get tangled in branches, rocks, or other obstacles.
The Collaboration with BFU
Together with RESTUBE, the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention has developed a pioneering innovation: the release mechanism. This collaboration was driven by a shared goal – to significantly improve the safety of people swimming in rivers, especially in the popular Aare, and to minimize risks in a targeted way.
The result was the Aare RESTUBE – a specially adapted version of the inflatable RESTUBE SWIMBUOY PRO, equipped with the new release mechanism. It was designed with great care and a strong focus on real needs, enabling people to enjoy a carefree yet safe swimming experience. Because those who swim in the Aare should be able to enjoy life – with a reassuring sense of safety.
