Health & Wellbeing

Neck-worn device blows up to save you

Neck-worn device blows up to save you
The Ploota is designed for everyone from kids in pools to surfers in the ocean
The Ploota is designed for everyone from kids in pools to surfers in the ocean
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Even if Ploota users are unconscious, they should still end up floating face-up
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Even if Ploota users are unconscious, they should still end up floating face-up
The Ploota is designed for everyone from kids in pools to surfers in the ocean
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The Ploota is designed for everyone from kids in pools to surfers in the ocean

Four years ago, we heard about a neck-worn device that wirelessly transmits an alert if its wearer should happen to start drowning. Well, the Ploota takes things a step further – it actually deploys two airbags, to bring its user up to the surface. And unlike some similar devices, it keeps them floating in a head-up position.

Although the Ploota can be submerged briefly without being activated, it has a sensor that detects if it stays under for more than 30 seconds. Should this happen, it is assumed that the user is in trouble, as opposed to just being good at holding their breath. The two airbags are then inflated, bringing the wearer back to the surface.

Even if they're unconscious, they should still end up floating face-up, for up to a claimed six hours if necessary.

Even if Ploota users are unconscious, they should still end up floating face-up
Even if Ploota users are unconscious, they should still end up floating face-up

In the event that the user knows they're struggling before 30 seconds have elapsed, the device can also be activated manually. Its CO2 cartridge is good for just a single use, although it can replaced with another one picked up in a local store. The airbags can simply be deflated, then rolled back up and tucked inside.

The Ploota is presently crowdfunding on Kickstarter, where a pledge of €50 (about US$55) will get you one in your choice of three sizes, when and if it reaches production. Potential buyers might also want to check out the Lifeshirt.

Source: Kickstarter

4 comments
4 comments
Grunchy
Um.... this looks like a disaster. There's no possible way this holds your head far enough out if there's any kind of waves. There's no possible way its tight enough to be effective without being too tight for comfort. I can buy a real PFD for about 1/2 this cost. The only thing this is good for is for salvaging your body. (we have glacial fed lakes in Alberta, you'll die from hypothermia in minutes if you fall in, so something like this is good enough - I guess. What a miserable way to go though.)
kwalispecial
Looks like a good idea to me! Maybe not in Alberta's glacial lakes... But there are lots of places with warm water, and lots of people who don't do their thing with a PFD on, like surfers (as shown). And sure, it might not hold you out of the water up to your knees, but a full head out of the water is a lot better than sinking...
Cody Blank
1-800-lol-nope
Antony Stewart
design is ugly to me, looks like dogs balls. It's difficult to place an invention like that on the body, neck hoop is too slave like. it will smack your face if you fall in the water and give you chin fractures. they should have placed it as a mini harness like a mad dog with a balloon on sternum and on spine. FAIL design for good idea.