Lifesaving system and method for swimming pool

Abstract

A lifesaving system for a swimming pool includes a plurality of lifesaving modules. Each module includes a platform and is stowable in a standby configuration under a surface of water in the pool. The module is deployable to rise to a surface of water in the pool beneath a swimmer in distress so as to support the swimmer on the platform.

1 . A lifesaving system for a swimming pool, the system comprising a plurality of lifesaving modules, each module including a platform and being stowable in a standby configuration under a surface of water in the pool, that module being deployable to rise to a surface of water in the pool beneath a swimmer in distress so as to support the swimmer on the platform. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of lifesaving modules are stowable on a floor of the pool. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a module of said plurality of lifesaving modules comprises an inflatable structure, deployment of the module including inflation of the structure. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the inflatable structure is stowable within the platform when the module is in a standby configuration. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a module of said plurality of lifesaving modules includes a sensor for sensing a position of the swimmer relative to the platform. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a module of said plurality of lifesaving modules includes a guidance device for guiding the platform to a lateral position that is beneath the swimmer. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the guidance device comprises a steering device or a propulsion device. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a module of said plurality of lifesaving modules comprises an inflatable structure that is configured to support a central portion of the platform. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a module of said plurality of lifesaving modules comprises a stabilization device that is deployable to counteract tipping of the platform. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the stabilization device comprises an inflatable bladder, a propulsion device, or an extendible counterweight. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the module comprises a sensor to sense the tipping. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a module of said plurality of lifesaving modules includes a barrier that at least partially surrounds the platform and that is deployable by inflation of an inflatable structure of the module. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the platform comprises a plurality of selectively connectable sub-modules. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or a plurality of sensors to monitor activity in the pool. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12 , further comprising a controller configured to deploy a module of said plurality of modules in accordance with the monitored activity. 
     
     
         16 . A lifesaving method comprising:
 operating a plurality of sensors to monitor activity in a swimming pool;   when the monitored activity is indicative of a swimmer in distress, selecting for deployment a lifesaving module of a plurality of lifesaving modules that are stowed under water in a pool; and   deploying the selected module to cause the selected module to rise to a surface of the water at a sensed position of the swimmer so as to support the swimmer on a platform of the module.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein selecting the module comprises selecting a module of said plurality of lifesaving modules that is nearest to the swimmer. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein deploying the selected module comprises laterally guiding the module as it rises. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein deploying the selected module comprises triggering inflation of an inflatable structure of the module. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein selecting for deployment comprises selecting a plurality of sub-modules.