Definition of "50 Meter Water Resistant"

Items that are water resistant up to 50 meters can withstand splashes of water, but should not be submerged

Generally, if a product is water resistant, it is designed to repel but not completely prevent water penetration. This differs from a waterproof item, which completely guards against water. However, when referring to products designed for use in the water, the term has a different meaning. These items can lose their ability to keep water out over time or through exposure to chemicals or extreme temperatures, so the Federal Trade Commission instructed that they be called "water resistant" instead of "waterproof." Even watches designed for deep sea diving cannot be called waterproof. The design of these objects did not change, only the terminology, so an item that is water resistant up to 50 meters is waterproof up to 50 meters under normal conditions.

Limitations

Items that are labeled water resistant up to 50 meters should not be used for snorkeling or scuba diving even if you don't plan to go deeper than 50 meters. This is because the products are tested in laboratory conditions, where they are motionless and at a constant temperature. However, when a swimmer is snorkeling or scuba diving, their movements dramatically increase the pressure on the item.

Risk Factors

Many things can damage a water resistant item. The main reasons an item will no longer be water resistant are temperature changes and chemicals. Temperature changes are bad for water resistant items because the water resistant parts of the item expand and contract as the temperature changes. For this reason, a water resistant item should not be moved from sitting in the hot sun to the cold water or vice versa. Chemicals are also bad for water resistant items. Damaging chemicals include chlorine, salt and other minerals.

Resistance Levels

The level of water resistance determines what activities can be done with an item (reference 3). An item that is water resistant up to 50 meters can resist splashes of water, but should not be submerged. A product that is water resistant up to 100 meters can be used for surface swimming. If an item is water resistant up to 200 meters, it can be used for snorkeling. Products that are water resistant up to 1,000 meters can be used for diving up to 40 meters. For diving deeper than 40 meters, divers should use products specifically designed for deep sea diving.

References

• The Free Dictionary: Water-resistant
• Chronocentric: Water resistance
• Creveld: Water resistancy for watches