1. The Problem / Design Opportunity: Infant Life Saver - Water

2. Every year children drown while swimming or playing near water. But there's a lot we can do to prevent this tragedy. From splashing in a wading pool to diving off a dock, water play is one of summer's greatest activities. But when it comes to children, water can also spell tragedy. Which is why you must never, ever leave your children unattended by water, even if it's just a small wading pool. In addition to parental supervision Marine Safety Officer, Angus Armstrong, recommends "that if you have your child around the dock of a cottage, or playing around where boats are, or anywhere near water, have them wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device). The younger you start them with this, the more they'll accept it. So start them right off when they're toddlers and keep going at least until they can swim very well." Infant Life Saver

3. When I was around 12, I had been babysitting for a little boy and girl (1 and 3) and was returned home, about an hour after, I received a call that shelly had drowned in the bathtub while her MOMMY went to answer the phone.. We lived in a very remote village/town of around 300-500 people...and the nearest rescue was an hour away. I was so devastated I was beside myself! She was resuscitated, but was NEVER the same sweet little child. Around the same time, a class mate of mine was playing in the shallow of the river, and one was swept under in an undercurrent. The older brother tried to save him, (in my class) and also lost his life. Infant Life Saver – Water: The Need:

4. Design Brief: I intend to design and make a device to alert an adult that an infant has fallen into a pond. Identification & Analysis of Problem: Drowning statistics in Ireland… Infant Life Saver

5. Identification & Analysis of Problem: Aspects of the problem I need to investigate and research:- research bicycle accident statistics? size and shape of lens /casing? location of the casing on the cyclist / bicycle frame? appropriate materials available in the school workshop? placement of electronics system / pcb, LED’s and battery? manufacturing processes? my knowledge and manufacturing skills? cost implications? the operating system will be of an electronics nature; light output ‘lumen’ and size of ‘voltage’ ‘safety’ that the light abides by ‘road safety standards’ Infant Life Saver

6. Production Constraints: time - I have limited amount of time to realise the project; budget – I have set my self a budget of 10 euro and from my research I feel this should be achievable; manufacturing processes – the two manufacturing processes that I am considering are vacuum forming and fabrication. My final design outcome will determine which process is more appropriate; Skills / capability – I may need to up-skill myself in relation to certain processes to meet the standards required – sketching, fabricating in plastic etc. However I am relying to some extent on the guidance and expertise of my teacher to advise me throughout this project coursework. Infant Life Saver

9. Pros Sounds alarm immediately if baby enters the water. Loud alarm tone is easy to hear throughout a house or pool deck. Weather-proof carrying case allows use at lakes or on boats. Additional wristbands are available to expand the alarm system for more children. Can easily be moved to new locations, such as a neighbour's pool. Cons Safety Turtle base plus one wristband sells for $150 to $200. Additional turtle wristbands cost more than $50 each. Could malfunction in improperly balanced saltwater pools. Not safe to use in sea water.