Veleria San Giorgio has been active in the field of maritime safety equipment and rescue systems for more than a century. Kanguro is the world's first lifejacket designed specifically for parents carrying babies or very young children. During rescue operations in the Mediterranean, rescuers are often faced with situations in which conventional buoyancy aids are not suitable for babies or newborns.
Developed for small children
Every year, more than 50 million life jackets are produced worldwide - for adults and older children, but not for parents holding a newborn baby in their arms. Kanguro is the world's first infant life jacket that keeps parent and child together. The project brings together universities, designers and students to tackle an issue that is rarely addressed in the boating industry: the survival of very young children at sea accompanied by their parents.
The device is designed to keep the two people in a stable position when they are in the water and reduce the risk of separation in rough seas - a common phenomenon during improvised evacuations or when overcrowded boats capsize. In transforming the concept into an operational device, the project team drew on the experience of Veleria San Giorgio. The manufacturer was involved in the prototype development and functional tests for the lifejacket. The main focus was on buoyancy, stability and the behaviour of the device in rough sea conditions.
Exhibition at the ADI Design Museum Milan
The project was presented in Milan as part of the XXIX edition of the Compasso d'Oro. Kanguro is currently on display at the ADI Design Museum in Milan as part of the Compasso d'Oro ADI exhibition. The system is now moving from the testing phase to production and is due to be launched on the market next year. It could therefore also be relevant as a safety solution for boaters with babies on board.
Lifejacket tests and buying advice:
Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
