Dolphin 1 — a New Generation Lifebuoy 

Dolphin 1 differs from a regular lifebuoy in that it is remote-controlled. A rescuer can stay on the shore, while Dolphin 1 propels itself out to the drowning person.

When it comes to rescuing people, every second matters. New technologies are stepping forward to help make rescue devices faster and smarter. Over the last few years, a number of such devices have been created. Examples include Pars rescue drone or U-Safe autonomous boat from Noras Performance.

Dolphin 1 is a truly autonomous lifebuoy. A rescuer does not need to jump into the water with it and rush to where the drowning person is, as the device can do it on its own. The operator stays on the shore and guides the device using a special remote control.

The author of the novel device is OceanAlpha, a Hong Kong-based company. The lifebuoy is made of bright orange plastic. The device is equipped with water jet engines enabling it to reach the speed of up to 15 km/h. The battery life per charge is 30 minutes, the remote control operation range is 500 m. The device will soon go on sale at about US$ 5,500.