G-Lake

Unlike when swimming in a pool, the nature of lake water obscures the vision of the lifeguards on the bottom of the lake. As a result, lifeguards are unable to detect if someone has drowned unless they have witnessed it occur or are responding to someone being reported as missing, at which point it is likely to be too late. According to the World Health Organisation, “drowning is the 3rd leading cause in unintentional injury death worldwide” (World Health Organisation, 2018) and within Germany in particular, drowning in lakes was the second leading cause of waterbody related deaths in 2017 (Deutsche Lebens-Rettungs-Gesellschaft e.V., 2017). Since swimming-lakes are a very popular summer destination during the hot months (Wolf, E., 2018), many would benefit from a method of making swimming safer by reducing the likelihood of drowning. Therefore, the aim of this product service system is to shorten the time between lifeguards at Badeseen becoming aware that someone is drowning and aid being provided.

Regarding the product, the intention is to produce a device that can be worn by adult swimmers above the age of 60 years and is able to detect when they have reached a depth at which point they are perceived as drowning, consequently sending a signal to the lifeguard tower. This, in turn, enables the lifeguards to locate the swimmer in need much quicker within the lake and take the necessary measures to try and save them. The device should resemble the design of a watch, in order to be inconspicuous and for it to not handicap the user when the user is swimming or laying at the beach. Accounts containing the necessary personal details including vital health-related information will be stored on a centralised database, allowing for access from any Badesee implementing the system.