Buoys Within Bathing Spaces May Enhance Water Safety
Sotiris Bouzianis
Introduction: According to the 2014 World Health Organization report, Greece ranks 6th within EU28 in fatal drownings (more than 400 people/year, i.e. a village is lost by drowning). This causes huge and multiplying effects upon the state, society, family and work. Most fatalities take place at sea. The lifeguard presence and the designated with buoys area are proved inadequate safety measures. Aim: To create places within the bathing area where a tired swimmer may find a place to rest, for drowning prevention. Method: (1) I patented the idea of placing buoys within the marked bathing area (figure 1). Buoys may be bought by sponsors, whose logo will appear on the buoys. The sponsor could also cover the total or a portion of the lifeguard's salary, enhancing more in the safety of the aquatic facility, especially in towns or countries where the reason of not hiring lifeguards is the lack of money. As suggested by Pantelis Avramidis since 2007, some buoys could have detachable rescue tubes/cans to be used if needed (figure 2). (2) My patent was endorsed by Dr. Stathis Avramidis, Officer of the Hellenic CDCP. (3) I submitted proposals to the Hellenic Ministries of Shipping and Tourism (February 13, 2014 and May 4, 2017). (4) I met and discussed the idea with Ms. Dafni Batsara, Cabinet Head of the Minister of Shipping. (5) A pilot implementation of the patent will take place during the 3rd National Pan-Hellenic Lifesaving Sport Championship that will be held in October 13-14, 2017 by the Hellenic Federation of Underwater Activity. (6) Several organizations will be approached to endorse it. (7) An application will be made to spread the idea progressively on a national level, so all beaches (guarded and unguarded) may get an extra layer or protection against drowning. Summary: Bathers are at risk, can hold on to one of these safety islets until seen by the lifeguard. It is hoped that the implementation of the idea, both nationally and internationally, will enhance the general feeling of safety and decrease drowning.
Citation: Bouzianis, S. (2017). Buoys Within Bathing Spaces May Enhance Water Safety. In: Avramidis S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 27). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
