
A "get to the surface fast wrist apparatus," a compact inflatable device designed to aid in drowning prevention, has garnered renewed interest following a social media post by futurist Brian Roemmele. The device, identified as the Kingii wristband and featured by GiGadgets, is engineered to rapidly inflate and pull a wearer to the water's surface in an emergency.
The Kingii wristband operates by deploying a small inflation bag powered by a CO2 cartridge. Worn on the wrist, it is activated by pulling a lever, which then releases the compressed gas to inflate the bag within seconds. This mechanism is intended to provide buoyancy and assist individuals in reaching the surface when they encounter difficulties in the water.
Brian Roemmele highlighted the device in a tweet, stating, "> The get to the surface fast wrist apparatus…," alongside a visual of the product. The post sparked discussions regarding the technology and its practical applications. The Kingii, marketed as a wearable water security device, aims to offer an additional layer of safety for those engaging in various water activities such as swimming, surfing, kayaking, and sailing.
While such inflatable wristbands offer a potential safety measure, experts emphasize they are supplementary tools and not replacements for fundamental water safety practices. The devices are generally designed for ease of use and portability, fitting a range of wrist sizes for both adults and children. The concept of personal flotation devices in a compact, wearable form continues to evolve, contributing to broader efforts in drowning prevention.