The life jacket product based on the IoT (Internet of Things) platform, of a group of students of the Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, the University of Technology and Education, a member school of the University of Da Nang is highly appreciated for its convenience and ability to use global positioning technology to determine the life jacket location via a satellite system.

One side of the life jacket is equipped with technological devices (left photo) and a Da Nang resident wear a life jacket based on the IoT platform. Photo: H.L

Student Duong Bao Nguyen, a member of the research team, said that the life jacket is made from PU-coated polyester fiber with good elasticity and abrasion resistance. The jacket is made from Ldpe-Foam foam pressed into two thin layers, increasing flatness and durability. This combination creates a life jacket that is safe, reliable and has a long life.

During the design process, the team integrated the power block and processor block into a unified block. In particular, the power supply block provides energy for the microprocessor block, while the microprocessor block takes on the role of controlling and processing data from sensors such as heart rate and water sensors and global positioning systems.

On the other hand, the superiority of life jackets is that they are equipped with sensors and wireless connectivity, allowing them to monitor the location and condition of people in danger in the water.

Specifically, when an incident is detected, the life jacket will automatically send emergency notifications to rescue stations and water safety staff, thus helping to enhance timely response and rescue capabilities.

Ph.D Tran Hoang Vu, a lecturer from the Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, the instructor of the research group, said that the life jacket system consists of two main parts: technological life jacket and management software.

With this system, management staff can easily monitor the status of the life jacket through the web application interface and direct rescue workers to respond promptly.

Each buoy has a positioning function and the location is marked on the map to help staff know exactly where rescue is needed. Technology integration will transmit warning data at unlimited distances in a timely manner, avoiding delays.

“When sensors read heart rate data, the user's condition is unstable, it will send an SMS emergency message with a link to the management website attached in order to help determine location details and give directions to staff for timely rescue.”, Ph.D Tran Hoang Vu explained.

Statistics from the Management Board of the Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang tourist beaches show that on average each year, on tourist beaches, more than 70 accidents occur. This is the main reason why a group of students are determined to invent marine life jackets based on the IoT platform.

According to student Tran Le Minh, during testing in different water environments, the life jacket fully met the features set by the team, such as positioning to help determine its position on the map, monitoring the user’s safety through relevant parameters and warnings and sending emergency messages to the manager. These features help the shirt bring safety and protection to the user in the water environment.

It can be said that the birth of life jackets based on the IoT platform brings hope to both locals and tourists who want to swim or participate in marine entertainment games. Mr. Nguyen Duc Vu, Head of the Management Board of Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang tourist beaches, informed that the rescue team currently has 94 people, divided into 19 working groups to perform patrol duties and ensure safety for swimmers. Every day, the team starts work at 4:30 a.m.and ends at 10:00 p.m.

Therefore, despite deploying life buoys in safe bathing areas and installing many warning signs, the coastline stretches more than 30km, making rescue work quite difficult.

“It is known that, in addition to safety features, the application of IoT technology in manufacturing life jackets helps manage and analyze data on drowning accidents. These data can be used to analyze trends and take measures to prevent drowning accidents. I hope that the product will contribute to improving quality and safety in the field of tourism in general and marine tourism in particular” Mr. Vu said.

Reporting by HUYNH LE - Translating by A.THU