What is PLOOTA®?
PLOOTA is the first automatic sensor controlled safety device for swimmer and water enthusiasts. You wear it on your neck like a necklace. The integrated sensor technology recognizes emergency situations in the water and when your head is submerged for more than 30 seconds the two floating cushions are filled with CO2 automatically and you will surface head first. It allows you unlike life jackets to swim unhindered and even diving is possible up to 30 seconds.

When do I need PLOOTA®?
When you jump in the water for a swim or just for refreshing, the danger of a drowning accident exists. Regardless of your swimming abilities pools or open are always sources of risk. This risk increases significant when no life guard is around. If drowning accidents happen it is vital that the swimmer is quickly found and life saving measures can be started. In open waters the visibility is often bad, hence it is decisive to be found quick. This is what PLOOTA ® stands for. In case of submersion for more than 30 seconds, the two floating cushions are filled with CO2 automatically and you will surface head first. PLOOTA ® is no substitute for a life jacket – it is thought for all areas of water sport or water fun in which usually no personal protective equipment is used.

How does PLOOTA® work?
PLOOTA works automatically as well as manually. The integrated sensor technology recognizes emergency situations in the water and when your head is submerged for more than 30 seconds the two floating cushions are filled with CO2 automatically and you will surface head first.

Does PLOOTA® help me stay afloat?
When deployed, PLOOTA brings you head first to the surface. The contained CO2 in the cartridges an the floating cushions are designed to keep you safely afloat for more than 6 hours. On account of the of the body position in the water (only the head is above water) the center of gravity of the body is deeper in the water then with usual life vests and the tilting danger is minimized.

What is the difference between sizes S, M und L?
Choose the right PLOOTA size by measuring your neck circumference
Size S: neck size between 26-32 cm / 10.2-12.6 inches
Size M: neck size between 32-38 cm / 12.6-14.9 inches
Size M: neck size between 38-44 cm / 14.9-17.3 inches

Does PLOOTA® fit every stature?
Yes, PLOOTA ® is suitable for every stature. It depends on the volume which should be held above water (with PLOOTA ® only the head will be out of the water). The size of the head for the most people, according to their age, is quite similar. PLOOTA ® gives you always enough buoyancy to keep your head and the respiratory tract above the water surface.

Can I use PLOOTA® for my kids?
Yes, PLOOTA ® can be used unlike most other rescue devices also by children starting from the age of 2 years. Nevertheless, at this age they might not understanding the operation of manually deployment – this can be assumed according to level of development only with children from the age of 7. The choice of the size (S, M or L) should occur by measuring the neck circumference. We strongly recommend the use of PLOOTA ® only for children with swim abilities. Important note: PLOOTA ® is no substitute for a life vest or swimming learning facilities like swimming wing or similar! PLOOTA floats only when deployed!!

Is PLOOTA® suitable for cats and dogs?
No, PLOOTA is not designed for cats and dogs.

Can I use PLOOTA® more than once?
Yes, PLOOTA ® can be used several times. After a successful use (deploying) you have to fully empty the CO2 from the lateral floating cushions, fold them up into the lateral pockets as indicated in the operation instructions. Then activate the triggering, and screw a new CO2 cartridge in and PLOOTA® is ready to go.

How to change the CO2 cartridge?
First unscrew the black protective cap on the left side of the PLOOTA (side with one orange colored ring). After that take out the empty CO2 cartridge, activate the triggering mechanism and screw a new CO2 cartridge up into the thread. Than screw the black protective cap back on.

When to change the CO2 cartridge?
After every deployment of PLOOTA you have to replace the CO2 cartridge as indicated in the operation instructions.

Can I use CO2 cartridges from different manufacturer?
Basically you can use the CO2 Cartridges also other manufacturer if they are certified for life vests. The CO2 cartridges must have a sea water resistant coating. You can purchase CO2 cartridges from our web shop or in specialized stores for live vests.

How much content does a cartridge have?
Size S = 8 grams, Size M = 12 grams, Size L = 16 grams

How to dry the PLOOTA® after swimming?
After using PLOOTA, simply take the floating cushions out of their pockets rinse them with clear water and leave out to dry. Like life vests or bathing suits the floating cushions of PLOOTA need to be rinsed with fresh water to avoid bad smell. They will dry quickly and ready to be packed again. Replacing the cartridge is only necessary after it is triggered.

My PLOOTA® deployed. How to make PLOOTA® ready to go again?
After every deployment of PLOOTA you have to replace the CO2 cartridge as indicated in the operation instructions. First unscrew the black protective cap on the left side of the PLOOTA (side with one orange colored ring). After that take out the empty CO2 cartridge, activate the triggering mechanism and screw a new CO2 cartridge up into the thread. Than screw the black protective cap back on.

Will PLOOTA® deploy intentioned by splashing water?
No, PLOOTA ® is designed in a way that splashing water will not lead to automatic deployment. Only if your head is fully submerged more than 30 seconds PLOOTA will activate the automatic release. Use PLOOTA ® only for swimming or for water related activities. If you are not sure whether PLOOTA ® is suitable for your intended activity, please our team: office@ploota.de.

Can I switch off the automatic deployment?
No. The automatic deployment of PLOOTA in cases of emergencies in the water is the outstanding feature of PLOOTA and cannot be turned off.

Can I bring PLOOTA® onto the plane?
Yes, PLOOTA can be brought onto planes. The original PLOOTA CO2 cartridges contain between 8 to 16 g CO2 and are pressurized. In aviation, they are considered dangerous. According to IATA, however, up to 4 CO2 cartridges may be brought onto the airplane (max 50 grams). The PLOOTA CO2 cartridges should be registered by phone before starting your trip. At the airport, show the supplied flyer. As a safety measure, put a copy of the flyer around your PLOOTA and into your checked baggage. The built-in CO2 cartridge from PLOOTA has to be unscrewed prior to the flight.

How to store PLOOTA®?
Always store PLOOTA outside the water in a dry place and protected by direct sun. We recommend inserting the CO2 cartridges only prior to use. If it’s foreseeable that PLOOTA will not be used for a longer period of time, please unscrew the CO2 cartridge.

Do I have to maintain PLOOTA® or do I have to do function tests prior to use?
PLOOTA is a safety device for swimmers not a PFD and by this it is not submitted to regular maintenance but check it regularly for damages especially on the floating cushions. Before use you have to check the battery status before every use by pushing the orange button (see manual). To increase the lifespan of PLOOTA clean it after every use as told before or check the manual.

Is PLOOTA® a Personal Flotation Device (PFD)? Can it replace a life-vest?
PLOOTA is not certified as a PFD. PLOOTA is a safety device for swimmers and is designed only for leisure activities. PLOOTA is not a compensation for an adequate personal floatation device in areas where PFD´s are stipulated by law.

Is PLOOTA® certified as a PFD (personal flotation device)
PLOOTA is not certified as a PFD and is not subjected to EN ISO 12402 but the main components like the CO2 cartridges or piercing pins are manufactured according this regulation.

I would like to sell PLOOTA®. Is it posible?
Yes, this is possible. Please contact our team: office@ploota.de or +49-(0)6251-5506520. We are glad for your interest.