It all began in 1976 with a hundred feet of twine around a hockey stick handle and a metal weight to serve as a mini anchor. Fashioned by scuba enthusiast Dave Parker in his garage in Torrance, CA, this innovative safety tool was designed to bob on the water’s surface to mark locations for divers. Dave dubbed his brainchild the “Pelican Float.” He devised this gadget because he knew it had the potential to save lives. He was right.

Eager to expand upon his vision, Dave was soon hard at work designing his next product: a superior first-aid kit for divers. The cases were rugged, durable, and built to keep the contents stored inside safely protected from water and dust. The product was a hit with divers and others who tossed out the first-aid supplies and used the case to protect other valuables.