The invention that prevents drowning: this smart vest activates itself and gets you out of the water in seconds.

In recent years, drowning has been one of the leading causes of accidental death in Spain, especially during the summer months . In fact, Global Densos reports that a total of 471 people lost their lives last year due to this cause, so it is vital to improve safety measures to ensure that as few lives are lost as possible in aquatic environments.

For this reason, a French company called Chutex has launched a smart life jacket called Flotis, which can prevent drowning with an automatic and effective response in risky situations.

The company explains that the vest is designed for use by children from three years old up to adults weighing 110 kg , including the elderly, people with reduced mobility , and water sports such as swimmers and surfers. It is very lightweight, weighing only 562 grams , and is made of comfortable, durable materials, allowing for full freedom of movement.

How it works

The system is fully automatic . As soon as a person dives deeper than 20 centimeters underwater and remains at that depth for at least ten seconds, the system detects a risk and activates a CO₂ (carbon dioxide) cartridge that inflates the vest in just 0.08 seconds . When this happens, the vest quickly brings the person to the surface with their head above water, even if they have lost consciousness.

It's true that the carbon dioxide cartridge is single-use, although it can be quickly changed in less than 30 seconds and costs €29.90 . The good thing is that it's recyclable and maintenance-free, but they do recommend checking it before use and storing it in a dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight. Flotis has a 250 mAh battery with a 6-hour battery life after a 40-minute charge.

The vest comes in a one-size-fits- all design with a flexible fit and has all the necessary safety certifications . It's also chlorine-, UV-, and impact-resistant. This device offers peace of mind to families or parents with children, as they can swim safely and are also protected from dangerous currents.

Flotis price and availability

The Chutex Flotis vest costs 199 euros and includes a carbon dioxide cartridge. As mentioned above, each cartridge costs 29.90 euros . It is available on the manufacturer's official website and at related retailers.