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Encouraging Heroes. You can be one too.

I’ve been waiting a long time to review this device, Heroes. It’s the iSwimBand and it can warn parents if a child is in danger in the water. Created by Aquatic Safety Concepts, this app and corresponding sensor are really impressive.

There are 2 different applications for this iOS device (the Android version is in development). Put the sensor in the wristband and on your toddler’s wrist, and it will send an alert if submerged in water for more than 3 seconds.

Or, you can use the headband for older children and know if their head is under water for more than 20 seconds. This allows for some swimming and play but still gives you warning if something has gone wrong.

Given that I live in a house full of boys, the opportunity to play with a new gadget was irresistible. So we made you a little demonstration video. (Please disregard the messy kitchen. Genius brains were at work here, and we didn’t want to take time to clean the counter. Thank you.)

You’re welcome.

We did discover through trial and error that it’s possible to have the phone too close to the iSwimBand. The alert is transmitted via bluetooth connection, so perhaps that was part of the issue. I’m not sure. I just know that holding the iPod in one hand and dipping the other in water resulted in no alert being sent.

Once we solved the proximity problem, everything worked exactly as promised in the instruction booklet. It was easy enough for an 11 year old boy to set up (he did) and two forty-something parents to observe.

In all cases, children should be properly supervised while swimming. The iSwimBand is, in my opinion, a great backup system to use to help keep kids safe. It only takes a moment of distraction for tragedy to unfold. I would never suggest that a parent rely solely on the device of course.

Now, for the fun part! I’m doing a giveaway! That’s right…you can win this iSwimBand system for yourself. We did use it for testing, but otherwise it is completely new. Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. There’s no purchase necessary. Winner will be chosen via random drawing and notified by email. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC Disclosure: I was provided with a free iSwimBand system in order to conduct this review. I am giving it away because I think it’s terrific and my kids are too old to really benefit. All opinions are my own.