Anti-Drowning Inflatable System

Abstract

This project proposes the development of a wearable device designed to automatically inflate a flotation mechanism in emergency situations, providing a life-saving buoyancy aid.Thedevicecanalso bemanuallyactivatedby the user. It continuously monitors for distress signals and, upon detection, inflates a compact, integrated flotation bladder, ensuring mmediate supportandmakingsurethattheuser does not drown. This innovative wearable technology has the potential to save count lesslivesbyofferingarapid,reliable,and user-friendly solutiontohelppreventdrowning.Designedtobe compact, lightweight, and comfortable, the manual activation feature empowers users to take control in emergencies. By providingavitalsafetynet, thisdevice aim store duce drowning- related fatalitiesandenhancetheoverall safety of individualsat risk of drowning.

Introduction

The text presents the design and development of a wearable, automatic anti-drowning inflatable system aimed at improving safety during water activities like swimming and boating. The device uses an ESP32 microcontroller to process data from a pressure sensor (LPS33HW) and a water presence sensor (SEN18), enabling real-time detection of drowning scenarios based on submersion depth and water contact. When drowning is detected, the system rapidly inflates a compact airbag using a pin-actuated compressed gas mechanism to help the user float, with both automatic and manual inflation options.

An OLED display provides real-time status updates, including depth, sensor alerts, and battery life, while the device’s compact and waterproof design ensures comfort and durability during use. Powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery and managed via efficient power converters, the system includes visual indicators and user controls for ease of operation.

Testing demonstrated reliable sensor accuracy, quick inflation response, and stable power management. The system aims to offer a scalable, cost-effective drowning prevention solution for swimmers, boaters, and water sports participants, with potential future enhancements including wireless monitoring and improved power efficiency.

Conclusion

The anti-drowning inflatable system demonstrated reliable performanceindetectingdrowning conditionsandproviding a swift rescue response. By utilizing a combination of water presence and pressure sensors, the system accurately identifiedsubmersionand triggeredtheinflationofanairbag within seconds, ensuring timely assistance in emergency situations. The actuator responded efficiently, allowing for rapid deployment, while the power management system, consisting of a 7.4V LiPo battery and DC-to-DC buck converters, ensured stable and prolonged operation without frequent recharging. The inclusion of an LED indicator providedreal-timefeedback,enhancingsystemreliabilityand user awareness. Testing under controlled conditions confirmedtheaccuracyandresponsivenessofthesensorsand actuator; however, further real-world testing is necessary to validateitseffectivenessacrossdiverseaquatic environments. Future improvements, such as integrating wireless communicationforremotemonitoringandoptimizingpower consumption, could further enhance its practicality and usability. With continued refinement, this system has the potential to serve as an effective life-saving device for swimmers, non-swimmers, and water sports participants, offering an added layer of safety in aquatic activities.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Leona Dennis, Preetha S L, NS Anakha, Namitha PS, Krishna Dev MP. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.