In a world where drowning remains one of the leading causes of death among children under the age of five, a young enterprise from Occitanie has taken decisive action to prevent these tragic accidents. Floatee, a "Made in France" innovation, has introduced an anti-drowning t-shirt for children aged 18 months to 6 years that automatically transforms into a life jacket upon immersion in water.
Floatee was established in 2021 by Philippe Rouvier and Thibaut Choulet, two friends who met at the INSA engineering school in Toulouse. Sharing a common goal of offering innovative products with a positive impact on accident prevention, the founders spent a year and a half developing their first product, Floatee. This young enterprise received financial support from CREALIA, the Banque Publique d'Investissement (BPI), the Initiative France network, Technopole de Castres-Mazamet, as well as sponsorship from EDF Hydro and Famille de sauveteurs.
Floatee's anti-drowning t-shirt is designed to be worn throughout the day, just like any regular UV-protective t-shirt. However, in the event of a water immersion, it automatically transforms into a life jacket, providing additional protection for children. The technology used by Floatee ensures that the life jacket deploys instantly and easily, which is crucial during emergencies.
Floatee is certified with the OEKO-TEX standard, guaranteeing that the product is free from harmful substances for both health and the environment. Moreover, the t-shirt is designed in Occitanie and manufactured in France (cocorico), contributing to the local economy and ensuring product quality. This reusable product offers an eco-friendly solution for parents seeking to protect their children while also respecting the environment.
This innovative product has already found its audience, as 1000 t-shirts were sent into production following the success of the Ulule pre-sale campaign, which raised over €10,000 in December 2022.
Floatee's groundbreaking anti-drowning t-shirt aligns perfectly with the vision of the global society and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By addressing the critical issue of child drowning, Floatee contributes directly to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Additionally, it promotes SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by raising awareness of water safety and drowning prevention.
Furthermore, Floatee's commitment to sustainability and its "made in France" approach embodies the principles of environmental responsibility and localization, supporting SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
As a testament to the power of civil society, Floatee's founders have harnessed their expertise to develop an innovative solution that saves lives and supports the SDGs. Their dedication to creating a safer world for children exemplifies the collective effort required to achieve sustainable development and create a better future for all.
More information: https://floatee.co