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Disclosure: We received a sample of the product in this post in order to facilitate this review. No compensation was received for this review. All opinions are 100% our own.
Let me state the obvious: there is no device, tool, app, or magical fairy that can replace a responsible adult who is diligently watching a child swim. Swimming and water safety are extremely important lessons to make sure your child is taught. All of these items combined are critical components of making sure children are safe when they are in and around open water.
Of course, all of that should be a no-brainer to all of you. So let me introduce you to a revolutionary new product that adds an extra layer of protection to your aquatic safety routine. The is a Bluetooth-enabled device that children wear when they are around open water (ie pools, lakes, oceans, etc). This device syncs to your smartphone or tablet via free app and alerts you under certain water submersion situations.
Watch this video that we made for a brief intro to this product. Then check out additional details about our experience underneath!
We received an for each child. Here is what you see when you open the box:
When you take the product out of the box, here is what is included:
Box contents include:
– Quick Start Guide
– iSwimband Sensor with Clip-On Holder
– Wristband Bracelet
– Headband/Goggle Band
Battery note: the iSwimband comes with an internal battery that cannot be replaced. The battery is projected to last at least one year (all depending on how often it is used). The battery should last for hundreds of hours of active use. Source: iSwimband
There are 2 ways that the iSwimband can be worn. It can be worn on a wrist using the wristband/bracelet sensor holder. This is how Landon wore his sensor.
The iSwimband can also be worn on the headband/goggle band. This method of wearing is recommended for kids who will be monitored on “swimmer mode” while in/near the water. You will want the sensor near their mouth/ears because it is monitoring the duration of water submersion. Lily wore her iSwimband as a headband and the next time we go in the pool she wants to put the sensor on her goggles.
Setting up Your iSwimband
We found the sensors very easy to set up. In fact, I was able to download the app and get it synced to the sensors as Landon clung to the patio door howling that he wanted to “GO IN THE POOL!!!” Mere minutes later we were walking out to the pool.
First you need to download the free iSwimband app (available for iOS and Android).
Next you need to shake your iSwimband to activate it. The little red light will light up which indicates that it is searching for your Bluetooth to sync with (so make sure you have Bluetooth enabled on your device).
After your iSwimband is connected, the app will walk you through the setup process. You can enter your child’s name and choose swimmer or non-swimmer mode. If you choose non-swimmer mode, you can pick the timeframe (starting at 10 seconds) for the alert. I chose 10 seconds so that, should Lily be submerged with her head under water that long, the app will alert me.
Within minutes, both kids’ bands were synced and setup on my phone. The app uses a traffic signal color scheme as part of its warning system. As the app detects possible swimmer trouble, the lights go from green to yellow to red. When the iSwimband’s alarm mode is triggered, the app sets off an audible alarm and flashes the camera flash as well. (When you set up the app you will be prompted to allow it to access the microphone and camera in order to enable these functions.)
also sets off the alarm when the tablet/phone wanders too far away from the swimmer wearing the band. When the app and the sensor become separated by about 100 feet or more, an out-of-range alert will go off. I really like this feature because it encourages the water watchers to stay alert and nearby.
Landon didn’t try to rip his band off of his arm (which I had half-expected). In fact, he seemed to think it was pretty neat.
So off we went to the pool, armed with our towels, floats and iSwimbands!
Our experience was great with this product. Both kids’ bands worked as promised and we plan to make them a part of our normal pool/beach routine. We will be slipping Lily’s sensor onto her goggles and Landon will continue to wear his as a wristband.
While open water will always receive my diligent supervision, I am excited to add an extra layer of protection to our swimming routine. There is nothing on this Earth more precious to me than my sweet babies – and their safety is of paramount importance to me!
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