Harbour investment see introduction of new lifebuoy technology

Ards and North Down Borough Council is investing £170k into its harbours across the borough, intended to improve their condition and facilities. As part of the planned works, and in conjunction with Lava, the Council have recently installed Sentry to help monitor all lifebuoys and ensure they are present and ready for use. 

Sentry was designed to combat the risk associated with vandals stealing and damaging equipment from the water’s edge. The absence of a lifebuoy jeopardises the chances of a life-saving rescue during an emergency situation. Sentry provides real time monitoring of the presence of lifebuoys and water rescue devices within their housing.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair,  stated,

We are really pleased with the results since installing Sentry. The device reports its live status in real time over the entire geographical area of the borough. This makes us aware immediately if a lifebuoy has been removed from its housing and will help us to get it replaced as soon as possible – potentially saving lives.

Paul Davidson, Operations Manager of Lava Group said,

We are delighted to support Ards and North Down Borough Council who affirm their clear commitment to water safety and drowning prevention through this contract.

He added,

Due to the vital function that lifebuoys and water rescue devices perform it is paramount that they are present at all times.  Our solution will help reduce the impact caused by missing lifebuoys and associated equipment while also increasing the efficiency of staff as they are able to monitor these devices remotely through a web interface on a PC or phone.

The Council’s commitment goes much further than the installation of Sentry as they look forward to rolling out significant development works at both Portaferry and Ballywalter harbours, and exploring funding opportunities for further works at all harbours. The Council’s recently appointed Harbour Master, William Angus, will play a pivotal role in overseeing service delivery at the Borough’s harbours. 

Photograph courtesy of Newtownards Chronicle – L/R William Angus, Harbour Master, Ards and North Down Borough Council,  Paul Davidson, Operations Manager for Lava  and Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair.