A MARINE flotation device developed by a local man that could potentially save lives was tested in Port Macquarie last week.
The testing of the Rip Buoy, which is a locally engineered invention, was witnessed by Minister for Primary Industry Katrina Hodgkinson, Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams and Rip Buoy Holdings managing director Neil Wallace at Town Beach.
A team of researchers will continue independent sea trials of Rip Buoys at Town, Shelley and Flynn beaches.
The Rip Buoy is moored in the throat of a permanent rip so that when somebody in need is being swept out to sea they only have to float to the buoy for safety. Swimmers will then be able to activate the onboard alarm system to alert local rescue services.
Mr Wallace said the concept of a Rip Buoy began on Australia Day 2010 when he was attending a family barbecue at Shelley Beach and witnessed a drowning.
“The drowning occurred when four young men were caught in a permanent rip although we were unaware of the unfolding tragedy until emergency services arrived later at the scene,” Mr Wallace said.
“By that time the men had been caught in the rip for some 25 minutes and as a result this claimed the life of one of these young men.
“That tragedy caused me a great deal of distress and provided the inspiration for me to draw on my marine engineering background to research for a solution to this problem.
“After many hours and numerous ideas the Rip Buoy concept emerged. After the construction and development of a number of prototypes, we now have a fully operational Rip Buoy with 24/7 back-to-base monitoring and data system.
“This allows a rapid and efficient response and safety-aid solution to people in distress.”
