Introduction:
A Ring Buoy is thrown to a person to provide buoyancy and prevent drowning. Ring buoys are in place at hundreds of locations on Ireland’s coastline, rivers, canals and lakes, providing a safe way for people to conduct a rescue without entering the water. Unfortunately, they are often vandalised, stolen or tampered with, rendering them unavailable when they are required most. In one city alone, fifteen ring buoys go missing every week, costing more than €20,000 annually to replace. This initiative was developed to address the problem of theft and vandalism and to ensure that ring buoys are available when needed. Ring buoys have the potential to save lives, but only if they are present.

Objectives:
The main objective was to find a solution for a nationwide issue that challenges many local communities, using an innovative approach that aims to future-proof regions from vandalism to rescue equipment. Physical inspections were time consuming, delayed and expensive. A smart solution was needed to address the challenge of vandalised and stolen ring buoys.

Methods:
A low-cost, retrofit, technology solution was developed and deployed. A sensor is attached to the ring buoy housing. It monitors and alerts local authorities when ring buoys go missing. Real-time alerts remove the delay in detecting that they are stolen and speeds up replacement.An innovative procurement framework that invited suppliers to pilot several technologies before deciding on a successful solution, then allowed additional regions to introduce the winning solutions without beginning a new tender process. Results This new digital initiative has been rolled out to ensure that ringbuoys are ready to save lives at Ireland’s waterways. To date, more than 600 sensors have been installed. The sensors are paired with a mobile, map-based platform that has real-time monitoring, to notify the local authority.

Conclusion:
The challenge of getting local authorities to engage and install the technology was overcome with an innovative procurement framework. There is an increased number of visitors to our waterways, therefore there is a need to have lifesaving equipment in place and available. Before this solution, a ringbuoy inspection at aquatic locations was carried out on a weekly bi-weekly basis and took most of the day. This technology removes inspection times and enables immediate replacement. A stolen ring buoy can mean a stolen life but this system introduced in 2022 is addressing vandalism of essential public rescue equipment. Drowning Prevention

Water Safety Ireland  - Galway - Ireland