The AquaSonus^™ system’s accuracy and speed of detection provides pool owners an extra layer of protection previously unavailable.  AquaSonus^™ testing showed consistent intrusion detection response times of 2.5 seconds in a 40' x 40' pool.  Pool size or shape did not hinder the alarm system’s performance.  All areas of the pool were monitored effectively with one passive sonar pool alarm unit.  A pool can be monitored immediately after swimming because wave action does not interfere with the system’s effectiveness.  The AquaSonus^™ product meets or exceeds the ASTM swimming pool alarm standard, F2208-02, and will soon meet the rigorous French AFNOR standard and achieve NF, CE and CSA mark approvals.

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental injury and death among children worldwide.  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there were 525 fatal unintentional drownings of children ages 1 to 6 years in the U.S. during 2001.  Nationwide drowning is the second leading cause of accidental injury related deaths for children ages 1 to 6 years and is the leading cause in the state of Florida for children ages 1 to 9 years.  In 2002, an estimated 2,600+ children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for near drowning.  The cost of care for an impaired survivor can range from $75,000 for initial treatment to $180,000 a year for long term care.  Drowning accidents are usually quick and silent.  Among children ages 1 to 4 years, most drownings occur in residential swimming pools.  Nearly all the children who drown in pools were last seen in the home, had only been out of sight for less than five minutes, and, were in the care of one or both parents.

America is not alone in child drownings.  According to the European Child Safety Alliance, drowning is also the second leading cause of death for children in the EU.  In Australia, it is the most common cause of accidental death in children aged 0-4 years.  In Japan, childhood drownings rank #2.  During 2000, accidental drowning claimed 910 children aged 14 and younger in South Africa.

AquaSonus founders, Bob Hoenig and Bill Roberts, started product development on the AquaSonus^™ passive-sonar pool alarm in May 2002.  “We are the first to incorporate an embedded computer, passive sonar, sensors, and low power circuitry with wireless communications in a pool safety monitoring system” says Hoenig.  Integrating these advanced technologies for a pool intrusion monitoring system has never been accomplished before.  The patent pending AquaSonus^™ passive-sonar pool alarm system listens to the sounds of the pool with a built-in hydrophone.  When installed, the system’s sensors and computers constantly monitor the pool environment.  As soon as a child falls into the pool, alarms at poolside and in the home sound immediately.  “With as many as 20% near-drowning survivors experiencing permanent neurological disability, instant notification of an accident is imperative for parents and caregivers.  The rapid rescue of a child not only saves the child’s life but also limits the possibility of life long disabilities” adds Roberts. 

Pricing and Availability
The AquaSonus^™ passive-sonar pool alarm system will be available in the U.S. starting this spring.  The suggested U.S. retail price is $1000.  Professional installation/maintenance is not required.

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