Through the installation of an Axis Communications' fixed network camera on the lifeboat station, combined with a high-tech weather station, the Porthcawl RNLI station gained access to cutting-edge technology, providing easy access to weather metrics, tide activity, conditions monitoring and more.
Mission
Porthcawl, Wales, boasts the second highest tidal rise and fall in the world and experienced among the highest rates of lifeboat callouts in the U.K. in 2015. With tides reaching speeds of up to 7 knots (8 mph), there are significant dangers in the area not present in other UK regions. With such an active sea, combined with high tourism levels, Porthcawl’s RNLI station wanted to improve the safety and security of visitors, while increasing the efficiency of life-saving operations.
Solution
Through the installation of an
Axis Communications'
fixed network camera on the lifeboat station, combined with a high-tech weather station, the Porthcawl RNLI station gained access to cutting-edge technology, providing easy access to weather metrics, tide activity, conditions monitoring and more. A publicly accessible live-stream of seafront conditions, available to view online, allows those considering a visit to the area to monitor weather, supporting Porthcawl’s tourism drive. With a 10x optical zoom and autofocus capabilities, the RNLI decided the camerawas the stand-out choice due to its weather resilience, providing 24/7 surveillance capabilities and excellent image quality, day and night.
Interactive intelligence: Axis saving lives with the RNLI
The camera is intended to operate as an extension of the RNLI’s numerous learning tools, including the successful ‘respect the water’ campaign, showcasing the tagline “treat water with respect, not everyone can be saved.” As the camera grows in popularity, the potential also exists for members of the public to identify and call in any incidents or at risk persons, reducing the time from the original incident to the time it is reported and actioned.
A key benefit noted by the RNLI station in Porthcawl is the weather station working in tandem with the camera, providing the RNLI lifeboat operators with realtime information based on the weather and sea conditions they will face – all before the crew have put their lifejackets on.
In order to achieve this, the station chose PC1, an Axis partner specialising in IT installations and creative design services, to undertake the implementation. Graham Thomas, IT and Online Project Manager at PC1, stated, “We installed a weather station on-site and connected the installation to YouTube, allowing the public and lifeboat staff to view real-time images and accurate weather reports - including tide times. The station will soon receive a superfast fibre connection, allowing for a further upgrade of the system to take full advantage of AXIS Q1775-E’s HD capabilities. We can then seek an additional camera; one looking at the pier and another focussing on a portion of the coastal defence where waves crash up to 300 feet high.”
Result
In addition to assisting with visitor and staff safety through further education on sea conditions and associated risks, the camera can provide cost savings above and beyond the initial cost of installation. With a minimum cost of a lifeboat launch estimated at £2,000, and 73 launches recorded in Porthcawl last year, this translates to an expenditure of at least £146,000. By further educating the public on the dangers of the sea and potentially preventing the need for just two launches, the total cost of installation would already be covered, ensuring the safety of both crew and public.