ISPO Award Winner 2024: Smart lifesaving swimwear by Swöm

Child water safety often demands compromise between protection and freedom, but Swöm eliminates this tradeoff with its groundbreaking technology. Designed for children aged 3 to 12, Swöm's smart swimwear uses advanced sensors to monitor water depth and duration. The system activates only when a child is submerged too deep for too long, inflating to provide life-saving buoyancy. Unlike traditional life vests, which can inflate prematurely and hinder movement, Swöm allows children to swim and play naturally while delivering critical safety when it’s needed most. 

As CEO Niclas Ekdahl explains, “Winning the ISPO Award is a true recognition of the innovative technology and UX we have developed. As a trusted mark within the sports sector, it will help us in licensing discussions with key brands in swimwear and rash guards.” 

This innovation directly addresses drowning risks—one of the leading causes of child fatalities in Europe. By focusing on real-time response, Swöm ensures children retain their freedom in the water while parents gain peace of mind. The product’s development has drawn on the expertise of CTO Georgi Tanev, a PhD from the Technical University of Denmark, whose research into micro-size engineering underpins Swöm’s precision technology. 

Swöm sets a new benchmark in personal flotation devices. Its smart swimwear is not just a safety tool—it’s a reimagining of what water safety can be. Designed with sustainability in mind, Swöm employs EU-based manufacturing processes and recycled materials, aligning with UN sustainability target number three. 

By integrating Swöm’s technology into mainstream swimwear, the company aims to expand its life-saving reach. Retailers also benefit from this novel approach to water safety, offering a product that’s distinctly positioned as an anti-drowning solution for active swimmers—unlike traditional life jackets. 

Swöm’s mission extends beyond individual products. By partnering with global swimwear brands, the company seeks to embed its life-saving technology into children’s swimwear worldwide. This bold strategy ensures that essential water safety measures are accessible to families everywhere, giving children the freedom to explore the water safely while reducing preventable tragedies. 

• Smart Technology: Swimwear inflates automatically. 
• Freedom: Functions like a regular UV-protective vest when deflated.
• Adjustable: Technology is transferable as the child grows.