In a recent patent filing, Apple details a potential new life-saving feature for the Apple Watch that could detect if a person may be drowning. The system would use a combination of software and hardware intelligence to send an SOS message to selected contacts in case of an emergency. The patent, filed in late March 2024, aims to differentiate between normal swimming behavior and distress using a feature called “irregular underwater behavior detection.”
The Apple Watch’s motion sensors would play a critical role in algorithmically distinguishing swimming from someone in distress. Additionally, the system may also monitor blood oxygenation and heart rate to help detect signs of trouble. The patent describes the feature as a “wearable device used as a digital pool attendant” that could also alert nearby devices or people of other emergencies, such as a heart attack or a child entering deep water unsupervised.
The implementation of this safety feature represents a natural progression of Apple’s focus on enhancing the health and safety capabilities of the Apple Watch. In 2022, Apple introduced Crash Detection to the Apple Watch, which can detect high acceleration associated with a car crash. This feature builds on the Fall Detection feature introduced in 2018, leveraging the motion sensor hardware of the Apple Watch to provide added safety benefits for users in different emergency situations.
While a patent filing may not always indicate a future product release, the drowning detection feature could serve as a valuable addition to the Apple Watch’s functionality. Apple’s emphasis on leveraging technology to enhance user safety and well-being aligns with the company’s commitment to innovation in the wearable tech space. The potential for the Apple Watch to serve as a versatile safety tool, able to detect various emergencies, highlights the device’s capability to go beyond basic fitness tracking and notifications.
The drowning detection feature offers a cost-effective solution compared to traditional safety systems, such as camera-based monitoring, which may not be suitable for all environments. Apple’s approach aims to provide an efficient and reliable method for identifying emergencies in different scenarios, including natural pools. By combining motion sensors, heart rate monitoring, and blood oxygenation tracking, the Apple Watch could offer users a comprehensive safety net while engaging in various activities.
As technology continues to evolve, integrating advanced features like drowning detection into wearables like the Apple Watch showcases the potential for these devices to serve as proactive health and safety companions. While the patent filing outlines a specific use case for the feature, the broader implications for enhancing user safety in different environments highlight the versatility and adaptability of wearable technology. Apple’s innovative approach to incorporating life-saving features into its products underscores the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what wearables can do to improve quality of life for users.
