ISHOF's Future Little Lifeguard Academy
by Jon Whitehead
Director of Venture Development, Deep Blue Attractions
“Where courage, speed & vigilance save lives.” The
ocean is a place of beauty, but also of danger. You can learn early that
strength in the water is not only for sport, but also a responsibility.
Lifeguards rescue those caught in powerful waves and treacherous currents. In
those moments, every second mattered, and courage means more than medals! This
is how it is going to be the children’s corner of the renovated International
Swimming Hall of Fame where the visitors will have the opportunity to learn
invaluable rea-life skills.
EVERY TOOL HAS A MISSION
The Life Saver Equipment Display is a tactile,
museum-grade interactive inspired by the iconic aesthetic of classic Airfix
model kits. Guests explore the essential tools used by lifeguards and rescue
swimmers by touching real rescue equipment, each press triggering illuminated
graphics, animated overlays, and short digital stories that explain the item’s
purpose, technique, and role in genuine rescue scenarios. Everyday lifesaving
gear becomes heroic and iconic, revealing how simple tools when used with skill,
timing, and courage can make the difference between danger and safety. To
extend the experience, guests can step into the display and see themselves
standing side-by-side with a lifesaver in full gear, brought to life through an
augmented reality (AR) view. They can capture, download, and share this moment,
transforming the experience from a passive display into a personal, take-home
connection to the world of lifesaving.
LIFEGUARD WATCH TOWER
A fully immersive observation deck where guests take
on the role of a real lifesaver. With the use of graphic aids and audio sound
bites, guests can play a part of a lifeguard and learn how to identify various
dangers. Digital binoculars, a 180° wrap-around screen and an interactive
emergency call system allows visitors to scan the ocean, identify rip tides,
swimmers in danger and dispatch a rescue team. Lifeguard Tower to be mounted at
floor level for increased accessibility. Guests need to check for rolling surf,
busy beach scenes, subtle and severe rip currents, shifting tides, swimmers,
surfers, and watercraft. This hands-on experience teaches vigilance,
decision-making, and ocean safety.
RAISE THE FLAGS
Guests can learn what color flags are used on the
beach flag warning system to indicate which warnings and dangers. Simple
mechanical pully system allows guests to raise up and bring down the different
flags. Three of the flags are indicated here but additional flags can be
located at various locations in this zone.
LIFE SAVING BEACH LOCATION-BASED COACHING
Set within the beach environment with survival skills talking guests through how to give life saving treatment on an interactive dummy, guests are talked through the stages of resuscitation and other life saving tools. The LED screen mounted seamlessly into the graphic background allows characters to come in to ask guests to help them with a Aid mission. They challenge guests ‘on location’ to use different aid equipment and learn key principles and the first aid techniqe essential to save a life.
