Skip to main content

This new beach safety app uses AI to teach swimmers about sea safety

Launching People | #PocketPatrol
Forget sharks, it’s rip currents that present the biggest danger to beach swimmers. In Australia, around 20 people a year drown in the narrow, fast-flowing, outbound currents, with thousands more saved by lifeguards.

Part of the reason those numbers are so high is because such currents are hard to spot until it’s too late.

Recommended Videos

In an effort to reduce the danger posed by the hazard, the nation’s Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) organization has teamed up with Samsung to create an innovative smartphone app called Pocket Patrol.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

The Android app uses augmented reality (AI) to help beachgoers better understand rip currents, while also pointing out hazards such as submerged rocks and shallow sandbanks.

It works like this: Throughout the day, lifeguards monitor the sea conditions and enter relevant data into the app. Anyone with the app can then access its map to quickly and easily see the location of recently reported hazards. Even better, the app’s AI capability lets users on the beach simply point their handset toward the water to bring up digital signposts on their display indicating the precise location of any dangers in the water.

However, the SLSA is keen to point out that Pocket Patrol is designed to promote surf safety only. In other words, the app “is not a safety or warning device” as its lifeguards are unable to immediately identify all rip currents and keep the app updated on a minute-by-minute basis. Instead, the software is designed to help swimmers learn about how to identify a rip current – something only 30 percent of Australians are currently capable of doing, according to the SLSA.

Pocket Patrol is undergoing trials until the middle of next month, focusing on a section of Queensland’s famous Sunshine Coast.

The SLSA says its goal is to make Pocket Patrol available to lifeguards and beachgoers across all of the nation’s patrolled beaches. In the meantime, it’s created a short 360-degree film (below) showing what it’s like to get stuck in a rip current, with tips on how to get out safely. But as the SLSA itself points out, the video is not for the faint-hearted.

Discover what it's like to be caught in a rip | #PocketPatrol
Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
Aventon Abound SR combines thoughtful design, enhanced security, and smart connectivity
Aventon Abound SR hero image with couple on the e-bike

Electric bikes are nothing new at this point, and while there are many styles, few purportedly do-it-all, and even fewer actually offer smart or more advanced features. They tend to do one thing particularly well, like cruising, carrying cargo, or sightseeing -- like city riding -- but the biggest way they push the envelope is by offering that long-range electric power. The Aventon Abound SR, a new do-it-all bike, goes far and beyond anything that's come before it.

For starters, it's the first bike equipped with Aventon's electronic control unit (ACU) which empowers intelligent safety features. That gives you 4G and GPS tracking built-in, plus remote locking, an alarm system, and much more. But also, this top-of-its-class bike is incredibly versatile and is suitable for everything from commutes to tough exercise rides and daily routines. It features a top speed of 20 miles per hour, has a range of up to 60 miles per charge, and can carry a payload of up to 440 pounds. Impressive, indeed. Let's take a closer look and get a little more friendly with it, shall we?

Read more
Velotric: One of our favorite e-bike brands is having a huge sale right now
Velotric T1 ST Plus bike couple riding on the road

Take a minute to browse through the e-bike category, and you'll see lots of options but not many that I would classify as accessible. As far as technology goes, they can be pretty expensive, especially compared to your everyday traditional pedal bike. So, it makes sense that most people would wait until the holiday season, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to get a great deal on a new bike. Prices are at their lowest ever, and it's a great time to save some money. But guess what? You don't have to wait until later in November to save big because Velotric, a premium-quality e-bike maker, is hosting a huge sale right now. You can head over now to take a look, otherwise, we're going to explore some of those Velotric e-bike deals that are available.
save Now
 
What are these "Lower-Than-Black-Friday" Velotric e-bike deals?

Velotric is claiming these deals are "better" than Black Friday, so they better be good, right? Don't worry, they are. For example, you can grab the Velotric Go 1 Ebike for $400 off, while still getting it in a bundle that includes two free gears. That price is currently $1,299, normally $1,700. The Go 1 features a 500-watt motor, supports a maximum load of 440 pounds, and can travel up to 55 miles on a single charge. Pretty impressive. It's also designed to lug cargo, like a picnic basket, day bag, or even camping gear. That's mostly thanks to a lower center of gravity for the frame and hydraulic suspension system.

Read more
Yamaha offers sales of 60% on e-bikes as it pulls out of U.S. market
Yamaha Pedal Assist ebikes

If you were looking for clues that the post-pandemic e-bike market reshuffle remains in full swing in the U.S., look no further than the latest move by Yamaha.

In a letter to its dealers, the giant Japanese conglomerate announced it will pull out of the e-bike business in the U.S. by the end of the year, according to Electrek.

Read more