The ‘’ requires participants to design a low-cost wearable device that monitors swimmers and can quickly raise the alarm if there is a problem.
Dr Christian DeFeo, a PhD student at Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é’s , is the driving force behind the challenge, which is being held in collaboration with , and .
He said: “Safety in the water for athletes and recreational swimmers is still a big problem. According to the , 224 people in England and Wales died from accidental drowning in 2015.
“Individuals with chronic conditions such as epilepsy, asthma and diabetes are particularly vulnerable: many are likely to have difficulties in raising the alarm for themselves should a seizure or event occur whilst in the water.”
He continued: “I organised this challenge, with the help of Texas Instruments, Youth Sport Trust and SH2OUT, to address a genuine need: to improve safety in the water.
“I am studying how online communities and challenges of this type can create new and innovative devices and I am grateful to Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é for providing such an environment for innovative research to take place.”
Competition entrants need to incorporate a TI AFE4404 – a device that can monitor heart-rate and other biological changes linked to physical activity – into their design.
The top 10 ideas will be sent the device so they can build their product and be in with a chance of winning the grand prize: up to six 30 minute support sessions with Enterprise team.
The prize aims to help the winner turn their idea into a viable product and, potentially, business venture.
The competition is open to the public. For more information on the Electronic Lifeguard Design Challenge and submission deadline dates visit the .