Coast Guard Approved Swimwear Flotation Device Makes the Water Safer for Children Participating in Water Activities

Wednesday November 15, 2006 - GAINESVILLE, Ga. - Aqua Force® is the first children's swimwear flotation device to be approved by the United States Coast Guard. The exclusive, patented design takes the place of a traditional life jacket, is comfortable for children and designed for continuous wear, just like a swimsuit. Aqua Force is convenient and safe to use on personal watercraft like canoes, rafts, kayaks and jet skis. It has also been approved for use during water sports, including fishing, water skiing and paddle sports.

The unique Aqua Force suit serves the dual purpose of swimwear and lifejacket by incorporating a patented system of integrated floats that are balanced between the front and back of the suits. The strategically placed foam blocks, certified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), are securely and permanently sewn into the swimsuit, providing children with buoyancy and balance in the water. A correctly sized Aqua Force does not restrict a child's movement, unlike a traditional life jacket, which may ride up around the face and neck of the child.

The Aqua Force flotation device was tested in accordance with stringent U.S. Coast Guard requirements and evaluated by UL for more than six years. In September 2000, after two additional years of Coast Guard testing, Aqua Force was further authorized for use on personal watercraft and water skis. Significant research, development and testing were conducted by Balistreri Consulting Inc., an independent marine consulting firm specializing in engineering and government relations.

In December 2002, the U.S. Coast Guard's Life Jacket Rule went into effect, requiring that all children under 13 years of age wear approved PFDs while on board recreational watercraft vessels. Presently, 48 states and/or U.S. territories require children who participate in boating activities to wear Coast Guard approved lifejackets.

Aqua Force has created educational programs with many states and boating safety organizations, such as the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron and the National Safe Boating Council. These programs include furnishing products, educational information and instruction kits for teaching in and out of the classroom.

Aqua Force swimwear flotation devices are available in neon pink for girls and neon green for boys. The suits are sized in small, medium, large and extra large, and fit children who range in weight from 30 to 90 pounds. Aqua Force swimwear flotation devices can be purchased at marine and boating retailers, sporting goods stores, specialty retailers, various mail order catalogs and online at www.mypoolpal.com. The average retail price for Aqua Force is $75.

My Pool Pal products are manufactured and distributed by Sterling Brands, Inc. The company's products also include My Pool Pal® children's patented flotation swimwear, Swim-sters® undergarments and swimwear accessories. For more information on Aqua Force, visit the company's web site at www.MyPoolPal.com or call 1-888-766-5725 (POOLPAL)

All trademarks and patents are the proprietary products of Future Products, of Gainesville, Ga.