Background

In 2003, drowning accounted for 70 percent of the 703 boating fatalities that year. Of the drowning victims, an alarming number of the victims (86 percent) were not wearing a life jacket. The U.S. Coast Guard has estimated that over 400 lives may have been saved IF ONLY THE PERSON WAS WEARING HIS/HER LIFE JACKET,

A recent study by the Boat U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety & Clean Water indicated that lack of comfort was the number one reason why life jackets are not worn in greater numbers. In fact, the average life jacket wear rate for boaters was only 22 percent in 2003.

The Boat US Foundation and the Personal Flotation Device Manufacturers Association (PFDMA) (hereafter known as “Organizers”), believe that innovation and application of new technology might entice more boaters to wear life jackets!

If you are a creative thinker and have an idea for a new and innovative life jacket your ingenuity may help save lives. We don’t have any rules as to what types of materials, design or prototypes are allowable. The Organizers want you to come up with as many new, imaginative and out-of-the-box ideas as you can.

The winning prize for the most innovative new design is $5,000 AND your design is not required to meet US Coast Guard requirements to qualify or to win!

WHAT IF YOUR LIFE JACKET HAS THE POTENTIAL TO MEET INDUSTRY STANDARDS?
Additionally, more traditional life jacket designs that have the potential to qualify for US Coast Guard approval may be selected by the Coast Guard for additional financial assistance in having the device tested at Underwriters Laboratories.