The original iconic Mustang Floater™ coat hits the market. Using closed-cell foam for flotation and insulation, it’s the first combined life preserver and jacket.

With Dr. John Hayward at the University of Victoria, we develop the Design Canada award-winning Thermofloat Coat. This new iteration of the original Mustang Floater™ added extra padding in areas that needed it most to protect against hypothermia and the innovative Beaver Tail neoprene flap to prevent cold water from flushing the jacket. This redesign is the pivotal point that directs us to become a leader in life-saving scientific research and technologically advanced designs, working with NASA, the military, the government, and more.

M.E.T.A Research Inc. (now Waterlife Studio) opens. A research and development division complete with a manufacturing center, innovative prototyping facilities, a science lab to study human physiology and material properties, and a pool to test gear in real life scenarios. It revolutionizes the design and construction of marine equipment and clothing.

NASA awards us a contract to co-develop and supply self-inflatable life preservers for their Space Shuttle Program, beginning a long relationship providing equipment for several different missions.

OCX (Ocean Class® Xtreme™) line, engineered with our revolutionary integrated LIFT™ (Life-saving Inflatable Flotation Technology) and the ultimate answer to extreme weather conditions, launches. OCX research and development will go on to inform the construction of our pinnacle EP Ocean Racing collection for the world's harshest marine environments.  

Using wind tunnel testing, we engineer our Elite 28 Hydrostatic Inflatable PFD with a 3D chassis that reduces drag when travelling at high speed. An instant favourite among professional anglers, the Elite 28 is now synonymous with the professional bass fishing circuit.

With input and validation from several Tier-1 maritime-focused special forces groups, we launch RATIS. This extremely low-profile tactical life preserver uses an ultra-light-weight membrane film for the bladder and new COR capability. Co-developed with our partner Hammar® COR allows RATIS to activate at different water depths or time delays after immersion.

We open our first office outside North America with a business and product development team in Salisbury, UK. At the same time, we successfully launch an e-commerce site to serve our international customers.

We remain committed to improving your experience on the water by expanding our recreational portfolio and strengthening our professional, military and government innovations.   

We provide new, premium flotation solutions to a broader range of users. Our revolutionary lines of women-specific products, including the redesigned Helix Dry Suit and Women’s Taku Collection, further strengthen our industry-leading progression. Expedition activity is made more accessible with added comfort, technical advancements, and optimal protection in demanding marine environments.

Our mission remains unchanged—to protect and enrich life on the water by delivering confidence to those who live beyond land.