The (outdoor) swimming season is in full swing. Unfortunately, swimmers are not always aware of the risks. Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) show that 139 people drowned in the Netherlands last year. But there is also good news: more and more innovative aids are helping to prevent drowning in open water or in the swimming pool.

Underwater cameras

Dutch company AngelEyeFor example, has developed a detection system for swimming pools. The technology uses a network of underwater cameras connected to a central unit. These cameras scan in real time and use AI algorithms to detect drownings. An alarm is triggered within 15 seconds to alert the lifeguards.

Rescue stick

A little less technological, but very practical: At sea, the Dutch air police are equipped with a Rescue stickThis stick is thrown from a helicopter to the person in distress. As soon as the stick hits the water, a salt tablet dissolves and the stick inflates into a floating buoy. This significantly increases the drowning person’s chances of survival. The device was first used last year and has since saved several lives.

From sewage to swimming: How clean are the Dutch canals?

As I have mentioned in previous articles, summer brings with it the wonderful spectacle of the “outdoor phenomenon”.

Intelligent buoys

Intelligent buoys are another technological innovation that increases swimmers’ safety. They collect data on weather conditions, currents and water temperatures in real time. The information is analyzed to alert swimmers to risks such as strong currents or sudden temperature changes.

Drones

In addition, drones are increasingly being used to locate swimmers in distress and to deliver flotation devices. One example of this is the Kop van Noord-Holland. In a Pilot project Some time ago, research was carried out into how drones could detect currents and find drowning people. The initiative came from the Maritime Emerging Technologies Innovation Park Noord-Holland (METIP) in collaboration with DroneQ Aerial Services and the Den Helder Rescue Brigade.