Approximately 10 people die each day due to unintentional drowning, according to the CDC. With that in mind, it’s important to realize that drowning is easily preventable in most cases. In addition to simply knowing how to swim, modern technology may also be able to help. With technology constantly advancing, there are a number of ways that it can work to do so. From simple wristbands to complex monitoring systems, here are just three innovative technologies that can help to prevent a tragedy.
Wearable tech
One simple way that drowning can be prevented is via wearable technology in the form of a wristband. This can be especially beneficial in instances where there is little supervision or a lack of barriers (like pool fencing), which are just two drowning risk factors. One such invention, created by the tech company BlueFox Lifeline, utilizes two computers that monitor important factors when it comes to potential drownings — water depth and the amount of time spent underneath the water. That being said, users can program the technology to suit their individual abilities. However, when the set thresholds are broken, the wristband then sends a capsule alarm to the surface of the water, which can audibly alert others around. One notable feature of this particular wristband is the fact that it also continually flashes LED lights when set off — allowing bystanders to more easily locate the victim, even in murky water.
Pool monitoring systems
Pool monitoring systems are another innovative tech device that can help to prevent drownings. One notable example is known as SwimEye, a computer vision detection system used in swimming pools. This technology works by using object recognition software, which actively tracks the movements of those in a swimming pool. When an anomaly is detected, an alarm is then sent to lifeguards. However, what makes SwimEye specifically unique is that a visual alarm is also raised via a live underwater camera monitoring system. Consequently, this allows lifeguards to visually assess the possible drowning, which works to improve reaction times and further prevent a tragedy at the pool.
Beach monitoring tech
While wearable wristband technology and monitoring systems are ideal for preventing drownings at the pool, there are also innovative technologies working to prevent an accident while at the beach as well. Founded back in 2018, an Israeli startup by the name of Sightbit may just help improve and streamline beach rescue. That said, their technology involves the use of a camera monitoring system, which can notify lifeguards when swimmers are in danger. This is done via Sightbit’s algorithms, which analyze the footage in real-time and then display warnings when threats (like a rip current) are detected. Consequently, this allows lifeguards to better keep track of more people and alert them of dangerous situations, which in turn can allow them to operate more efficiently.
Drowning is known to be a worldwide problem, which can be prevented. However, technology is working to help the issue and prevent tragedy in many different manners, whether it be by wearable technology, pool monitoring systems, or even beach surveillance.
