So many good ideas in here, especially the idea of taking pressure of the life guards and the QR to access different languages.  Might be worth setting about a simple prototype at a local beach.

Looking forward to seeing your project develop.

Hi Mili, Your beach safety station is a fantastic idea that addresses two critical aspects of beachgoer safety—ocean awareness and first-aid. The inclusion of visual guides and a QR code for multilingual access ensures that tourists, regardless of language barriers, can understand important water safety information. The insulated first-aid box is also a great addition, as it provides immediate assistance for minor injuries and stings, reducing the strain on lifeguards and offering support on unpatrolled beaches.

I wholeheartedly agree with your proposal. The concept of the beach safety lectern represents an invaluable initiative, particularly for international visitors and non-English speakers. It is imperative to ensure that all individuals, irrespective of their linguistic background, have access to vital safety information, thereby mitigating the risks of water-related accidents. The integration of QR codes into this safety framework is particularly innovative; they offer a seamless, contemporary means to disseminate important information in multiple languages, ensuring greater accessibility. By making such safety resources readily available, we can safeguard both tourists and locals, enabling everyone to enjoy our pristine beaches without unnecessary peril.

Furthermore, the incorporation of safety benches equipped with basic first aid supplies, alongside LED lighting, not only serves as a practical measure but also as a symbol of an evolving safety culture. These additions will undoubtedly become synonymous with enhanced public safety awareness, fostering an environment where both visitors and residents feel secure. I am fully supportive of the implementation of such measures across all our beaches, as they represent a significant step toward a safer and more inclusive coastal experience for all.

With Australia being such a multicultural and diverse country, the idea of implementing a QR code for different languages is a fantastic idea. Your idea will help greatly for water safety on beaches without lifeguard supervision and without access to assistance when injuries occur. Your idea is well thought out as well as innovative and creative, and I would like to share my concerns/ideas for future designs.

I believe for a future design it would be very beneficial to implement signage above the information desk to draw attention. Signs such as the universal symbol for first aid, and water safety symbols. This would help draw the attention of visitors regardless of language. My other concern is the upkeep of the first aid equipment, there will have to be a type of plan formed for checking the condition, as well as keeping stock for when the first aid kit is used. If its not regularly upkept it could be dangerous for people in need during emergency situations.

Overall, I believe this is a great idea that should be implemented onto all beaches. Your sketch shows a great depiction of your ideas, and i believe that continuing to improve upon your design and furthering the creative project will produce a innovative and impactful solution to beach safety in Australia.  

Hi Mili C,

I believe this is an excellent idea that would be greatly appreciated by many. The dangers of the beach are not as obvious as they seem, and this concept is a great way to attract people and express these dangers. When something does happen to go wrong, this concept provides a convenient and accessible source of first aid. This is great, as most people would not typically be prepared for an incident to happen. Free to use sunscreen is also a great way to promote sun safety and help increase the experience of regulars and visitors of the beach.

The first point I would like to raise is vandalism. Unfortunately, vandalism is becoming increasingly common amongst all cities and I would expect something like this would be an easy target. Perhaps a monitoring system or camera may be able to be used in order to identify any users and potential vandalisers. In addition to this, rather than vandalising, people may take advantage of this idea and help themselves to medical supplies etc. I was wondering whether you had considered this and what your potential ideas were?

Originally, I thought this idea would be a portable station set up daily by lifesavers. I understand that a permanent solution is accessible for anyone at any time, however the large majority of people who go to the beach would go throughout the day. If this concept was able to be made into a portable station, it may be an idea to reduce possible vandalism. It is also an opportunity to ensure that supply levels of the station are sufficient.

Overall, I strongly support this idea, and I would love to hear how the concept has progressed.

Kind Regards,

Curtis Farrell (CQU Engineering Student - ENEG12007 Creative Engineering)

@Gregory Madas Levestam, @Matt Hanlon, @charl.peenze, @Chris Pallas, thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to consider my design! I really appreciate all the ideas, advice and support on my project! 

@william perfrement, thank you very much for the idea of the signage! I will work to implement this into my design. Thank you also for highlighting the concern of first aid equipment upkeep- the idea is that this design will be located in the surf life saving club on the beaches. This way, the equipment can be accessed by all, as well as restocked by the council. 

@CNS ENEG12007, thank you so much for your comment! Yes, I have been looking at ensuring that the LED strips are solar powered. Thank you for highlighting the concern of needing the design monitored, I have proposed that this beach safety system be located in the surf life saving club, allowing for surveillance of the product so that people are only taking what is required and not stealing anything if the equipment is not actually needed. 

@curtis.farrell, thank you so much for your comment and for highlighting potential concerns. In regards to the vandalism, I am planning on the beach safety system to be monitored by life guards (and potentially any cameras located here) in the surf life saving club. This ensures that the equipment is only being used by those who actually need it, and prevents any misuse or damage to the design. Thank you very much also for highlighting the idea of a portable design, this is something I had not thought of, and I will definitely consider this for my project. 

Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write to me about my MDP. I really appreciate it!

Mili