New Inflatable Rash Shirts Predicted to Float to Top of Wish Lists this Christmas

TAURANGA, Thursday 17 November 2011: An ingenious new rash shirt which keeps you afloat in the water will launch in New Zealand this summer and makes an ideal sun smart gift for all ages this Christmas.

EVIE’S Inflatable Rashies are a huge hit in Australia and predicted to float to the top of wish lists this Christmas in New Zealand. They combine the sun protection afforded by a rash shirt with the safety features of
a life-jacket. They are ideal for playing in the surf, in swimming pools or out on boats, and are a cost-effective, less bulky option than traditional Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs).

EVIE New Zealand distributor Joanne Percy says EVIE is the world’s first PDF-rated sun smart inflatable rash shirt.

“They fit like a normal rash shirt, but contain a concealed chamber, both front and back which inflates either orally, manually or automatically depending on what style of Rashie is purchased.”

EVIE’S Inflatable Rashies are available in a variety of colours and come in both long and short sleeves. They’re made from 50+ UV protection material and are suitable for use by
adults and children aged 4 and over.

There are three Rashie options:

1. The self-inflating Rashie is perfect for adults and children who want a little more confidence while playing or exercising in the water. Simply blow air into the inflator
tube found on the top left-hand side of the shirt. This Rashie is also great for people undertaking water therapy or rehabilitation.

2. The rip cord manual Rashie is activated by pulling on a toggle. Co2 gas fills the chamber hidden inside the shirt. This is perfect for boaties and fishermen (particularly for rock fishing)
who love being near the water but don’t plan to get in unless it’s an emergency. A self-inflating tube is also attached to this shirt as a secondary option.

3. The automatic Rashie will inflate as soon as it’s submerged in water and is available in a child’s size 4-6. The shirt will inflate within one second of being submerged, and has both a manual toggle and self
inflator attached for ultimate protection.

“These unique Rashies are much cheaper than buying a child or adult sized life jacket. They all meet the New Zealand/Australian PFD (Personal Floatation Device) Standards for use in all water activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, multi-sport, stand up paddling, snorkelling, waka ama, surf life saving and swimming.

“Many children don’t like wearing bulky life jackets, especially when trying to move about on boats. While New Zealanders love water pursuits, our drowning toll is appallingly high and we need to take water safety very seriously,” says Percy.

For younger swimmers, EVIE’S Inflatable Swim Shirts are a great alternative. These are suitable for 4-6 year-olds and combine a sun smart shirt with a self inflation tube. “These swim shirts are great for water
confidence when children are first starting out and will provide parents with that extra peace of mind when at the beach or pool this summer,” says Percy. The Inflatable Swim Shirts are not PFD-rated.

All EVIE products are available online at www.inflatablerashie.co.nz.
Prices are:
$65 for an Inflatable Swim Shirt;
$79.50 Child / $99.50 Adult for a Self-Inflating Rashie;
$95.50 Child / $109.50 Adult for a Manual Inflating Rashie;
$124.50 for an Automatic Inflating Rashie.

The Australian inventor of EVIE the Inflatable Rashie has worked closely with the world’s best athletes, safety advisors, manufacturers and therapists to produce an affordable, comfortable, safety-rated product. The Rashies are endorsed by Olympic and Commonwealth gold medallist swimmer Meagen Nay.

ENDS