Spanish inventor develops new flotation device to save lives following high numbers of drownings

IN A year that has seen a record number of drowning deaths in Spain, an inventor has created a floatation device he claims could save thousands of lives.

The OneUp device, made by Leon-based inventor Saul Arterta, is a small and compact tube that inflates into a large ring once it makes contact with water.

The idea was born when Arteta saw an interview with two Red Cross members who told the story of attending to a shipwreck on jet skis to help the passengers on board.

They spoke of their frustration over only being able to help a small number at a time due to the size and buoyancy of their jet ski.

This led Artera to think of something that could be carried in bulk and dispensed easily and quickly to a large amount of people.

The creator realised that as well as helping with larger maritime rescues, it could also have personal and tourism related uses.

Since the product’s creation, numerous institutions have shown interest and purchased the product including coast guards, public administrations and private companies.

So far this year, the Royal Spanish Federation and Lifeguards have revealed that 232 people have died by drowning in Spain.

This figure shows an increase of over 25 per cent compared to the same time period last year.

In July alone there were 94 deaths, the highest recorded since 2017.

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James Warren

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