Wristband Inflates Life-Saving Balloon to Keep Swimmers Afloat
Israeli engineers have developed a remarkable wristband that could potentially save countless lives by inflating a foil balloon to offer buoyancy to swimmers in distress. Weighing just 20 grams, the wristband contains a chemical reaction that causes a balloon filled with eight liters of hydrogen foam to rapidly inflate. This is sufficient to keep an average adult afloat until help arrives. The device, branded as LifeSaver, is designed to be fashionable and attractive so that swimmers would want to wear it.
The inspiration for this life-saving innovation came from a near-drowning incident involving Mattan Shani, who almost lost his life to freak currents. As he recovered in the hospital, Shani’s father, Noam Shani, a former fighter pilot turned engineer, resolved to create a wearable buoyancy aid that could prevent such tragedies in the future. Noam Shani collaborated with entrepreneurs Eldad Erel and Omri Dagan, and together they founded Neomare, a startup dedicated to developing the LifeSaver wristband.
After three years of research, the team made a breakthrough by identifying a chemical reaction that efficiently inflates the balloon using only tiny quantities of stored fluid and powder. When a swimmer in distress presses the button on the wristband, the fluids mix and react, releasing a warm and safe form of hydrogen that expands the balloon. Neomare has patented this unique chemical combination, giving them exclusivity over its use.
A key advantage of the LifeSaver wristband over similar products on the market, such as the Kingii, is its size and fashion appeal. Neomare recognizes that in order for swimmers to embrace this life-saving device, it needs to be both small and stylish. The company has invested in crowdfunding and plans to sell the wristbands directly to consumers, bypassing middlemen. Priced at $59, the wristbands are expected to be available worldwide from September 2024.
The potential impact of the LifeSaver wristband on global drowning statistics is significant. According to the World Health Organization, drowning is a leading cause of death worldwide, claiming the lives of 236,000 people annually. Children and young people are particularly vulnerable, and survivors often suffer long-term brain and lung damage. Neomare believes that their return on investment lies in the lives saved, and their ambition is to make a tangible difference by helping those in need.
Mattan Shani, who went through the traumatic experience that inspired the LifeSaver wristband, now works at Neomare and remains motivated to assist those in similar situations. He fully supports the company’s mission and acknowledges the importance of having a device that can provide crucial assistance to individuals in distress. The LifeSaver wristband offers hope for swimmers who find themselves in dangerous situations, ensuring that help is never too far away.
