Design, fabrication, and performance testing of remote-controlled, self-propelled lifebouy for a single drowning victim

Abstract

This project study aimed to design, fabricate, and test a remote-controlled, self- propelled lifebuoy that can save a single and conscious drowning victim. This project was made to rescue the drowning victim without endangering the life of the rescuer. This device is much faster as compared to lifeguard’s average time of swim to reach and save the victim, which can lessen the health risk or complication of the victim. This lifebuoy carries an inflatable floatation device that inflates through a mechanism controlled by the operator of the buoy just before it reaches the drowning victim where he/she can easily grasp. This inflatable floatation device will serve as the drowning victim’s aid to stay afloat while slowly being pulled by the lifebuoy towards a safe place for appropriate medical attention and care. This project is composed of inflatable floatation device, brushless motor, water jet pump thruster, li-po battery, radio transmitter, servo motor, and electronic speed controller. This device could travel and operate at fair to moderate weather and is capable of saving a drowning victim with a distance up to 300 meters. It could turn itself right side-up after it is thrown in the water or strike by waves.