Unique solar-powered drowning warning system

Thanh Dong Commune has a terrain adjacent to Lam River with a wide sandy beach suitable for swimming and playing. On hot days, many local people often come here to swim and cool off, and there have been many cases of drowning.

Young people are constructing a solar-powered drowning warning system. Photo: Huy Thu

To reduce drowning, Thanh Dong commune youth have designed and installed a drowning warning system that operates using a system.solar energyright on Lam River bank. This is also the first unit in Thanh Chuong to make this model.

The project is a collective product with the joint efforts of many union members and youth. Photo: Huy Thu

After a period of preparation, brainstorming, and implementation, with the enthusiastic and creative participation of many youth union members, on the afternoon of July 5, the project was completed and the first propaganda session was launched.

The project consists of many parts: 1 iron column, 1 loudspeaker with integrated USB port, 1 battery, solar power system and 1 surveillance camera. The equipment is placed in a discreet iron box, ensuring good operation in all weather conditions.

The solar-powered drowning warning system has many parts mounted on an iron pole about 15m high. Photo: Huy Thu

Operating mechanism: The solar panel will convert heat energy into electricity and store it in the battery to serve the broadcasting activities. Thanks to the automatic programming system, the timer, at the default time, the transmitter will automatically broadcast according to the content recorded in the memory card, transmitted to the loudspeaker.

The recorded messages on drowning prevention on USB will be broadcast during peak hours every day. In addition, this system can combine messages on forest fire prevention, Covid-19 prevention, environmental protection reminders, etc.

The iron pile is attached to a fairly sturdy concrete pillar. Photo: Huy Thu

According to Mr. Nguyen Cao Loi - Secretary of Thanh Dong Commune Youth Union, the cost to build a solar-powered drowning warning system is about 3 million VND.

The advantage of this propaganda system is that it is mobile, compact, does not use an external power source, so there is no need to pull wires. Every day, at the exact time people start swimming in the river, the system will automatically broadcast messages on drowning prevention, without the need for an operator...

Mr. Loi added: The project, when put into operation, will contribute to promoting drowning prevention and warning to the people, especially children. The system is also equipped with some rescue tools for people to use when bathing, to minimize the risk of drowning.

The first solar-powered drowning warning system in Thanh Chuong has come into operation. Photo: Huy Thu

Evaluating the solar-powered drowning warning system, Mr. Le Van Dung - Deputy Secretary of Thanh Chuong District Youth Union affirmed: This is a new project, demonstrating the creativity and initiative ofyouthdistrict in the issue of propaganda to prevent drowning.

In the coming time, the District Youth Union will replicate this model in localities, to promote propaganda work, contributing to reducing the risk of drowning for youth, children and people in the area.