kingii

Kingii is a brand of wearable flotation devices designed to aid water safety. Developed by Kingii Srl, an Italian safety-tech company, it consists of a compact wrist-worn band that contains a compressed CO2 cartridge and an inflatable flotation element. When activated, usually by pulling a red tab to puncture the cartridge, the device inflates rapidly to provide buoyancy. The inflated band can help a swimmer stay afloat or serve as a rescue aid that can be tossed to another person in distress.

Operation and design: The unit is designed to be worn on the forearm or integrated with a wrist strap. It relies on a single-use CO2 cartridge; after deployment, the cartridge must be replaced. Kingii devices are marketed with a small inflator mechanism and may include a lanyard, a release handle, and a replaceable cartridge or refill options. The device is intended as a supplementary flotation aid and should not substitute a certified life jacket in professional settings or for non-swimmers.

History and reception: Kingii was introduced in the mid-2010s and has been sold through sporting goods retailers and online stores. It has attracted attention for its compact form and potential for quick flotation rescue, while critics note that it requires correct timing and maintenance, and that it should be used as a complement to, not a replacement for, standard water safety equipment.