Lifebuoy stand
Brief description of the project
The lifebuoy stand has been designed with the aim of reducing dangerous situations at swimming spots, particularly those at small bathing areas by rivers and lakes where safety solutions are often lacking. In addition to providing rapid access to a lifebuoy, the stand also serves as an emotional and physical point of support for visitors to the bathing spot. The structure allows users to sit down to put on or take off footwear, to lean against it, and to conveniently hang towels or clothes during swimming, thereby making the bathing area more comfortable. Close interaction with the lifebuoy reminds users of safety considerations and builds awareness that situations may arise in which the buoy needs to be used. The bright colour of the stand has been chosen so that it is easy to spot. In development, it was essential to ensure that the object would not be excessively expensive and could be acquired by operators of smaller bathing sites. The steel construction provides high durability and a long service life, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
Originality and creativity of the idea
In small, less well-equipped bathing spots by rivers or lakes, the lifebuoy is often forgotten — hung on a wooden post and, when the swimming season ends, leaving behind only a small hole in the ground. That has been my impression of safety equipment in the small bathing spots favoured by residents, yet in these places, too, there is a need for a reminder about water safety.
The lifebuoy stand is intended for precisely these kinds of bathing spots.
In view of Latvia's high drowning statistics, the lifebuoy stand reminds people of the risks in the water before they go for a swim. It is an all-season piece of equipment, since dangerous situations do not disappear when the bathing season ends.
Definition of the problem and the relevance of the applied solutions
The aim of this work is to improve safety at bathing spots, focusing specifically on bathing spots at rivers and lakes. The brief was to develop an object that reminds people of the risks in the water and is permanently present at the bathing spot.
A broader aim is to build a strong culture of water safety in society in order to reduce the number of drownings and improve people's knowledge of how to act correctly in emergency situations. This means not only installing individual lifesaving equipment, such as a buoy stand, but also taking a broader approach that includes developing safety infrastructure, educating people and cooperating with local authorities and organisations. To achieve long-term change, a systematic approach is needed in which the public not only relies on lifesaving equipment but also actively takes part in creating a safe environment, understanding the risks and knowing how to act in dangerous situations.
Co-creation, stakeholder involvement and cooperation during the realisation process
The problem of drowning cannot be addressed without close cooperation between various institutions. The creation of this lifebuoy stand would also not have been possible without significant support and involvement from the Ventspils Blue Flag beach lifeguards, the association Peldēt droši, who provided practice-based recommendations and shared already-implemented solutions for improving bathing spot safety; the operators of the Būšnieku Lake boat station for financial support and the testing of the first prototype; Sedos Ltd; and the teachers Uģis Gailis and Elīna Bušmane.
Functionality and technological solutions
In addition to providing rapid access to a lifebuoy, the stand also serves as an emotional and physical point of support for visitors to the bathing area. The structure allows users to sit down to put on or take off footwear, to lean against it, and to conveniently hang towels or clothes during swimming, thereby making the bathing area more comfortable for users. Close interaction with the lifebuoy fosters user familiarity and the awareness that situations may arise in which this buoy needs to be used. The structure can be embedded into the ground in various ways — using rebar grids, posts, or by concreting it in place. The lifebuoy is SOLAS-certified. A 6 mm, 30 m line is attached to it for the convenient throwing of the buoy. Prolonged exposure of the lifebuoy to sun and other environmental conditions can accelerate the ageing and degradation of the material, so the buoy is placed in a case that protects it. The case also performs an important visual function, allowing it to be noticed quickly if the buoy is missing. The structure is made from a steel tube with a 42 mm diameter, powder-coated.
Aesthetics and other experiential dimensions
The stand's visual prominence is one of the priorities, hence the choice of colour. The curved tube forms a continuous line, beginning with the most important element — the lifebuoy — and continuing organically down to the ground. This continuous form helps to guide the eye, highlighting the buoy as the principal element while creating a harmonious and orderly overall appearance.
Economic significance, sustainability and circularity
In development, it was essential to ensure that the object would not be excessively expensive and could be acquired by operators of smaller bathing sites. The steel construction provides high durability and a long service life, reducing maintenance and replacement costs. Powder coating protects the material from corrosion and extends its life cycle. The case shields the lifebuoy from UV radiation and weathering, reducing wear. The certified lifebuoy ensures compliance with safety standards and reliability in use. The main structure and the case are recyclable, supporting the principles of the circular economy. The stand has a service life of ten to fifteen years, potentially longer.
Social relevance, inclusion, availability and accessibility
The lifebuoy stand makes safety equipment available to visitors of bathing spots. It is visually prominent, intuitively usable and easily accessible. The stand is all-season, ensuring the constant presence of a lifebuoy and fostering a culture of water safety. The structural design allows it to be integrated into bathing spots of various sizes while remaining visually conspicuous. In this way, the solution fosters public understanding of safety equipment and its importance.
