Conceptual rendering of the 'Rescue Buoy,' a safety device designed to assist swimmers in distress. The device is shown floating in the water, highlighting its hoistable flag and ergonomic handles for rest and stabilization.

↘ See | Rescue Buoy

INDUSTRIAL & product DESIGNER

Mathis Gauguelat Logo
Mathis Gauguelat Logo

  • 2023

  • 04 month

  • 2023

  • 04 month

  • Fusion 360 Modelling

    3D Printing & Model Making

    Keyshot & PSD Rendering

Overview

Rescue buoy designed to assist distressed swimmers and alert lifeguards through visual and audible signals. Four-month project with Alix Fleurichamp, Arthur Hamon, and Kristi Ferro, focused on eco-design and 3D-printed modular components.

Brief

Brief

Brief

Design a safety device to reduce the risk of drowning caused by swimmer exhaustion near the shore. The aim was to create an add-on system for sea buoys that allows swimmers in distress to rest and alert lifeguards when needed.

Design a safety device to reduce the risk of drowning caused by swimmer exhaustion near the shore. The aim was to create an add-on system for sea buoys that allows swimmers in distress to rest and alert lifeguards when needed.

Design a safety device to reduce the risk of drowning caused by swimmer exhaustion near the shore. The aim was to create an add-on system for sea buoys that allows swimmers in distress to rest and alert lifeguards when needed.

Research

Research

Research

Analysis of coastal safety statistics, swimmer behaviour, and existing rescue equipment highlighted a gap in accessible and easy-to-use solutions for emergencies. The team identified two essential functions: providing immediate support for the swimmer and enabling clear signals (visual and audible) to rescuers.

Analysis of coastal safety statistics, swimmer behaviour, and existing rescue equipment highlighted a gap in accessible and easy-to-use solutions for emergencies. The team identified two essential functions: providing immediate support for the swimmer and enabling clear signals (visual and audible) to rescuers.

Analysis of coastal safety statistics, swimmer behaviour, and existing rescue equipment highlighted a gap in accessible and easy-to-use solutions for emergencies. The team identified two essential functions: providing immediate support for the swimmer and enabling clear signals (visual and audible) to rescuers.

Development

Development

Development

The project followed an iterative prototyping process using MJF 3D printing. A range of models was produced to refine ergonomics, durability, and intuitive handling. In line with eco-design goals, components were designed to use minimal material, could be assembled without glue, and remained fully dismountable. Each iteration was tested to ensure the device would be both simple to understand and reliable in real sea conditions.

Storyboard illustrating the rescue buoy's operational sequence, from installation on a sea buoy to a swimmer in distress using its handles and whistle to alert a lifeguard.
Storyboard illustrating the rescue buoy's operational sequence, from installation on a sea buoy to a swimmer in distress using its handles and whistle to alert a lifeguard.
Storyboard illustrating the rescue buoy's operational sequence, from installation on a sea buoy to a swimmer in distress using its handles and whistle to alert a lifeguard.
Conceptual design sketches for the 'Rescue Buoy' project, showing the exploration of different forms and modular components for the buoy’s ergonomic handles and signaling flag.
Conceptual design sketches for the 'Rescue Buoy' project, showing the exploration of different forms and modular components for the buoy’s ergonomic handles and signaling flag.
Conceptual design sketches for the 'Rescue Buoy' project, showing the exploration of different forms and modular components for the buoy’s ergonomic handles and signaling flag.
Technical illustration of the modular 'Rescue Buoy,' showing a disassembled view of its 3D-printed components, including the flag, flag pole, hand grips, and belt.
Technical illustration of the modular 'Rescue Buoy,' showing a disassembled view of its 3D-printed components, including the flag, flag pole, hand grips, and belt.
Technical illustration of the modular 'Rescue Buoy,' showing a disassembled view of its 3D-printed components, including the flag, flag pole, hand grips, and belt.

Photo of the 'Rescue Buoy's' 3D-printed modular components laid out on a white surface, showing the flag, various connectors, ergonomic hand grips, and the whistle handle.
Photo of the 'Rescue Buoy's' 3D-printed modular components laid out on a white surface, showing the flag, various connectors, ergonomic hand grips, and the whistle handle.
Photo of the 'Rescue Buoy's' 3D-printed modular components laid out on a white surface, showing the flag, various connectors, ergonomic hand grips, and the whistle handle.

Final product

Final product

Final product

The final system integrates three key elements: two side handles for rest and stabilisation, a hoistable flag for visual signalling, and a floating whistle handle that simultaneously raises the flag and emits a sound alert. Together, these features provide immediate support to swimmers and maximise visibility and audibility for lifeguards in emergency situations.

The final system integrates three key elements: two side handles for rest and stabilisation, a hoistable flag for visual signalling, and a floating whistle handle that simultaneously raises the flag and emits a sound alert. Together, these features provide immediate support to swimmers and maximise visibility and audibility for lifeguards in emergency situations.

The final system integrates three key elements: two side handles for rest and stabilisation, a hoistable flag for visual signalling, and a floating whistle handle that simultaneously raises the flag and emits a sound alert. Together, these features provide immediate support to swimmers and maximise visibility and audibility for lifeguards in emergency situations.

Conceptual rendering of the 'Rescue Buoy' in use, showing a person in distress using the handles to rest while the buoy's orange flag is raised for high-visibility signaling.
Conceptual rendering of the 'Rescue Buoy' in use, showing a person in distress using the handles to rest while the buoy's orange flag is raised for high-visibility signaling.
Conceptual rendering of the 'Rescue Buoy' in use, showing a person in distress using the handles to rest while the buoy's orange flag is raised for high-visibility signaling.
Conceptual rendering of the 'Rescue Buoy' in use, showing a person in distress using the handles to rest while the buoy's orange flag is raised for high-visibility signaling.
Conceptual rendering of the 'Rescue Buoy' in use, showing a person in distress using the handles to rest while the buoy's orange flag is raised for high-visibility signaling.
Conceptual rendering of the 'Rescue Buoy' in use, showing a person in distress using the handles to rest while the buoy's orange flag is raised for high-visibility signaling.

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© 2025 Mathis Gauguelat. All rights reserved.

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© 2025 Mathis Gauguelat. All rights reserved.

Privacy & Legal

Mathis Gauguelat - French-Chinese Industrial & Product Designer. International & intercultural designer portfolio. Specialised in product design, industrial design, prototyping, 3D printing, strategic exploration, global collaboration and creative innovation.