Lifejacket Design Competition

Competition Goal

To encourage and solicit innovative ideas and new technology to design a life jacket that the majority of average boaters might wear.

Background

Each year drownings account for 70% or more of all boating fatalities. Of the people who drown, over 80% were not wearing a life jacket. The U.S. Coast Guard has estimated that over 200 lives may be saved each year if people wore their life jacket.

Studies conducted by the BoatUS Foundation indicate that lack of comfort is the number one reason why life jackets are not worn in greater numbers. In fact, the average life jacket wear rate for boaters is generally around 20%.

The BoatUS Foundation believes that innovation and the 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 or designs are allowable. The Foundation wants you to come up with as many new, imaginative and out-of-the-box ideas as you can.

Contest Guidelines & Rules

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION:A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on the following criteria:

• Wearability: How comfortable is the life jacket? (e.g. does it restrict movement? Would a boater be likely to wear it because it is less bulky or more comfortable than other jackets available today?)
• Reliability: Does it work every time? Are there any chances for potential failures? Does wearer have to do something to make it work or does it function autonomously?
• Cost: What is the expected pricing? Is it affordable for the average boater? (A retail price point of under $25-$30 is encouraged, but not mandatory).
• Innovation: How creative or original is the solution? Are any new technologies or materials being utilized?

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

• The competition is open to anyone – professionals, amateurs and students alike. Additionally, teams and groups are encouraged to apply.
• All applications must be submitted with a link to a video demonstration of the product. Videos may not be more than 4 minutes total running time.
• Please make sure that contact information is current and will be current for at least one year after the final submission deadline.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• This contest will consider working prototypes only. There is no need to send in your prototype though, as contestants are required to video tape their product(s) in use, in a pool.
• The video must clearly demonstrate how the prototype floats a person in the water.
• The video should show front, side and rear angles of the prototype in use.
• Videos must then be posted on YouTube, with a video link included in the entry form.
• Component and material list with cost estimates must be included with entry form.
• Multiple submissions are welcomed.
• Do not ship product to BoatU.S. Shipped products will not be considered, and WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

DEADLINE:

• All designs must be submitted on or before February 1, 2011. Winners will be announced at the 2011 International Boating and Water Safety Summit.

PRIZE:

• The winning design will receive $5,000.00 in U.S. dollars awarded at the 2011 International Boating and Waterways Safety Summit, if the winner is present.
• Winner does not need to be present to win—but if we are unable to contact winner through provided information, prize will be forfeited after 30 days.
• Prizes must be claimed within 30 days of valid notification.
• Winners are responsible for all applicable federal, state or local taxes, tariffs or import duty fees and must provide social security or federal tax i.d. number as a condition of receiving the prize.