Aqua Eye: New sonar device from DLRG saves lives at Lake Einfelder!

Aqua Eye: New sonar device from DLRG saves lives at Lake Einfelder!

A new chapter in water rescue at Lake Einfelder is opened with the purchase of the handy sonar device “Aqua Eye” by the DLRG Neumünster. The device, which weighs less than 2kg, enables faster and more efficient searches for missing people underwater. With a range of up to 50 meters, it revolutionizes previous manual search methods, which often only allowed a visibility of 15 to 20 cm. Using sonar technology and artificial intelligence, the “Aqua Eye” shows on the screen whether a person has been found by displaying an X or an O. This is particularly important because at least one person has lost their life in Lake Einfelder every year since 2021, most recently in April when a seven-year-old boy was saved from drowning.

Particularly noteworthy is the innovative power of this portable device, which is of life-saving importance not only for emergency services and fire departments, but also for organizations worldwide. The “Aqua Eye”, developed by VodaSafe, uses classic sonar technology in combination with sophisticated evaluation software and makes it possible to identify human bodies even in poor visibility conditions, for example due to dirt or algae. By purchasing the device, which cost more than 11,000 euros - financed by donations and 60 percent funding from the state of Schleswig-Holstein - the DLRG Neumünster made a forward-looking decision to increase safety in the water.

Technical details and possible uses

The “Aqua Eye” can search a hectare of water in just a few minutes and has an operating time of up to 8 hours. In the event of an emergency, several boats are available, including an inflatable rapid response boat equipped with a searchlight. DLRG has been a water rescue unit for a year and is regularly alerted in order to be able to respond quickly to emergencies.

While previous search methods were manual and limited to sight, the new sonar device is a real game-changer. Not only can it search at a 180 degree angle, but it can also be used in sub-zero temperatures. In order to provide additional protection for the emergency services, the DLRG in Neumünster received flow rescue suits, dry suits and gloves. This further increases the safety of rescuers in a dangerous environment.

Together for more security

But the DLRG Neumünster doesn't just look at technical innovations. She is also looking for volunteers to be lifeguards at Lake Einfelder. Anyone aged 16 or over should have the German Lifeguard Badge (DRSA) in silver and a current first aid course. Committed people are warmly invited to contact Fabian Pohl by email and thus actively contribute to water safety.

Overall, the problem of water accidents should not be underestimated, as the DLRG reports: In 2023, there were 411 fatal accidents in water in Germany, which corresponds to an increase of 31 cases compared to the previous year. The President of the DLRG, Ute Vogt, hopes that through education and awareness-raising, especially among parents of small children, the dangers in and around the water will be better perceived. Because safety on the water must be a central concern for everyone - and with innovations like the “Aqua Eye” the first steps have been taken in the right direction.

For further information on current developments and the DLRG Neumünster, please visit the following links: KN Online, Blaulicht.de, DLRG Press.