Sports Technology

Surf Life Saving Australia recently hosted an ‘Innovation Day’ at Wanda SLSC, located towards the northern end of the Cronulla Beaches in Sydney’s south.

The innvation day saw a range of manufacturers and companies at the forefront of new technology showcasing their products which could potentially be adopted and/or implemented by surf lifesaving services or patrols to enhance surf lifesaving in the future.

Over 15 companies shared their ideas and presented their products to the National Lifesaving Committee which includes representatives from all states.

EClassboats’ electric outboards were among the array of products on display which also included, motorised rescue buoys, AI powered cameras for rip identification / swimmer counting and search and rescue tracking devices to enhance efficiencies in lifesaving operations to name just a few.

SLSA Chair of Lifesaving Chris Jacobson shared “we know that there is so much exciting stuff out there in technology, and to have the opportunity to showcase it all in one day was really great.

“We also note that this is only the beginning, there is so much more for us to do in this space and other exciting technologies as well that we need to consider.”

SLSA Coastal Safety Manager, Michael Bonnici advised “we are looking to innovate the way we do lifesaving across the country and the day saw a combination of medical, power craft and technology-based gear and equipment.

“The National Lifesaving Committee is really interested in innovation and looking at ways to improve, enhance and take us forward and the drowning numbers are testament to the need to continue to find ways to improve.”

Following the innovation day, surf lifesavers from across Australia will provide feedback and the Lifesaving Committee will consider piloting some of the equipment with evaluations then considered by the National Lifesaving Committee for inclusion on the official SLSA Gear and Equipment List for Clubs to utilise.

Bonnici added “we have our national approved gear and equipment list, and any item on this list has been thoroughly tested, reported on, and approved by the National Life Saving Advisory Committee to ensure that it is safe for all of our members and meets the needs of the organisation.

“Once products are approved, Clubs have the ability to utilise them at their Clubs and they can event use grants such as the beach safety equipment fund to implement some of this new equipment.”

All products by EClassboats are designed, and tested in Kiama, NSW Australia. EClassboats electric outboards are Australian Made.

Image. Credit: Surf Life Saving Australia

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