Rescue balloon Beacon. Interesting...

[sharpey]

Was browsing indiegogo, as you do... Came across an inflatable balloon which launches from a canister like a flare. Flashes for 1 week at 150ft above your position.

I've no affiliation, but thought it might be worth a link and a discussion. Would this be useful to own?


https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/s...ay/x/9987112#/

[skipmac]

I see one big problem for marine use. In any breeze at all that balloon will end up 15' off the water instead of 150'.

[TurninTurtle]

Originally Posted by skipmac

I see one big problem for marine use. In any breeze at all that balloon will end up 15' off the water instead of 150'.

Yep... Interesting idea... but only really good for calm weather.

It would really help on a calm clear night.
So its not useless.

[sv.antea]

Go fly a kite then.

[sharpey]

I'm quizzing the creator.... Will update if I get a response.

[zboss]

They do have rescue kites.

[mchlsutton]

One other aspect to consider is the visibility during daylight hours. Assuming that the balloon is a high visibility color it certainly increases your chances of being spotted by a plane or a boat over the horizon.

[BigBoater917]

Even 15' off the water nearly doubles the visible horizon of a raft.

[Yong SC]

Nice, but will it be hazardous for rescue helicopters? Dunno about the chopper rotors whether it will blow it away or suck it in

[olepedersen]

FOUR years ago jn florida straight at night, I changed course for a flashing lite
that I thought was somebody in trouble,when I got near they were sailing with their strobe on to be safe, if I see a flashing lite i stay on course.

[captlloyd]

Originally Posted by Yong SC

Nice, but will it be hazardous for rescue helicopters? Dunno about the chopper rotors whether it will blow it away or suck it in

Lets hope the folks being recued would have the sense to pull it in. If not the rescue swimmer will.

[captlloyd]

Originally Posted by sharpey

Was browsing indiegogo, as you do... Came across an inflatable balloon which launches from a canister like a flare. Flashes for 1 week at 150ft above your position.

I've no affiliation, but thought it might be worth a link and a discussion. Would this be useful to own?


https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/s...ay/x/9987112#/

If I were setting in a life raft I would sure like to have one.

[valhalla360]

Some minor issues but otherwise a great idea.
- How long will the materials used hold up if stored for years.


Otherwise, I'll take 15' for days over 150' for seconds every time.


Kites are a nice idea but if there isn't any wind, they don't work.


One option could they put a shake light on it? Have to work out the mechanism that would work best but bouncing around in the wind, there is energy that could light up the balloon providing better nighttime visibility.

[mbuckner]

Can LED lights be seen with night vision optics?

Surely instructions would come with the product
and the buyer would read them BEFORE the need
arises to use it.

I do like the concept.

Mike

[seabreez]

Originally Posted by sharpey

Was browsing indiegogo, as you do... Came across an inflatable balloon which launches from a canister like a flare. Flashes for 1 week at 150ft above your position. I've no affiliation, but thought it might be worth a link and a discussion. Would this be useful to own? https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/s...ay/x/9987112#/

Again not the perfect one for all conditions. However would be a moral booster in night conditions and the visibility of that light would surely help the rescuer. From a former rescuer, a light is much easier to look for than a person in the drink. For hiking, visibility above the trees... I think this would be valuable. Good luck in you project.