In Australia, sharks use Twitter to warn swimmers if they're within a kilometer of the shore. Surf Life Saving Western Australia, or SLSWA, has outfitted over 320 sharks of varying species, including great whites, with tags that transmit a signal to monitors when the reach the required distance from shore.
The shores of Western Australia are the most dangerous in the world when it comes to shark attacks. The Twitter account is a fast and highly accessible way to distribute and access the information necessary for the public to make an informed decision about going into the water in that area. Sharks using Twitter may not be the most accurate description of this technology, but it is essentially what the SLSWA have done in order to increase public safety and awareness.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Shark-warning Technology
- Developing advanced systems that use technology, such as Twitter, to alert swimmers about the presence of sharks in real-time.
- Smart Tags for Animal Monitoring
- Exploring the use of smart tags on animals to collect and transmit data that can assist in monitoring and managing potential risks to human safety.
- Real-time Public Safety Information
- Creating innovative ways to provide real-time information to the public regarding potential dangers or risks, enhancing safety awareness and decision-making.
Where This Applies
- Aquatic Safety Equipment
- Opportunity for companies to develop advanced aquatic safety equipment, such as smart tags and monitoring systems, to enhance public safety in coastal areas.
- Animal Tracking and Monitoring
- Potential for industries specializing in animal tracking and monitoring technologies to expand their applications for human safety purposes.
- Social Media and Public Safety
- Opportunity for social media platforms and technology companies to collaborate with organizations, like SLSWA, for real-time dissemination of public safety information.
