Nicole Slattery

Watertalk, a set of water signals and safety equipment is the first to standardise distress signals and may help save more New Zealanders from drowning.

Watertalk expands on the raised hand signal used by swimmers in distress. There is currently no universal set of water safety signals used between lifeguards and swimmers.

This visual communication project aims to illustrate a set of water safety signals that will appeal to and inform primary school children as to what they should do when they get into emergencies in the water. Six signals have been created for use by the person in danger and rescuers. The set includes signals for dangers such as rips, rocks and sharks in the sea, or major emergencies such as chemical spills at a pool.

The roll-out for this project includes flashcards, flutter boards, an inflatable swimming ring and wall tiles illustrating the safety signals.The products will complement the signals being taught at primary schools, swim schools and at other water sports organisations to help the children stay familiar with the signals.

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