A Smart Multisensor Drowning Detection Device With Real-Time Alarm Function

To reduce drowning incidents, this study presents a novel sensor-based system for detecting swimmer distress in different water environments and depths. This system includes a measuring device, a GPS beacon, and a receiver. The measuring device includes a heart rate oximeter, a three-axis accelerometer, and a pressure sensor for water depth detection. The sensors work together to identify signs of distress accurately but can also function independently if needed. In the event of distress, the GPS beacon is triggered and sends the distressed swimmer’s location to the receiver. The data collected by the sensors are analyzed by a microcontroller, which compares the readings to personalized threshold values set through a mobile application. The mobile application allows for customization of the parameters and displays the swimmer’s status and location in real time. The mobile application includes three tabs: 1) the parameter settings tab for customizing the parameters; 2) the detection tab that indicates the user’s “safe/drowning” status; and 3) the location tab to display the location of the swimmers in distress. The heart rate sensor has an accuracy of 1 beats per minute (BPM), while the SpO2 sensor has an accuracy of 1%. The accelerometer’s maximum full scale is ±16 g, and the pressure sensor boasts a high resolution of 24 bits. In an open outdoor environment, the time from drowning detected to receiving the location signal is less than 5 s. This demonstrates the system’s rapid response and high precision, highlighting its potential for effective real-time drowning prevention and water safety monitoring.