MAKO

What it does

A tow float that analyses water quality helps ensure safety by detecting harmful pollutants, while also offering cold shock prevention and buoyancy aid if you’re in trouble. Real-time information is available via a connected app showing safe swim spots.

Your inspiration

I originally aimed to design a surfing-based physio product after my brother and dad suffered serious injuries. But after consulting medical professionals, I learned surfing could worsen recovery due to the strain it puts on the body. They suggested hydrotherapy instead. My lecturer introduced me to wild swimming, and I discovered its many physical and mental benefits. After releasing a survey, I found common challenges like water pollution, limited mobility, and safety concerns, which inspired me to design MAKO.

How it works

The Float: Built In Water Quality Sensors - measures pH, turbidity, TDS and temperature in real time so swimmers can assess safety before entering. SOS Button - sends your GPS location to an emergency contact in a single press. Eco-Friendly Design - comes with a carry bag made from abandoned ocean fishing nets, helping to reduce pollution. Modular Core - swappable tech insert for easy upgrades and repairs. Storage With Twist Locks - seals your phone and keys in a watertight area allowing them to be with you at all times. Breathing Aid - 6 yellow LEDs will guide your pace starting a 2 minute breathing exercise preventing cold shock. The App: Heart Rate Monitoring - connect to a smart watch to track your physical response to avoid cold water shock. Local Swim Recommendations - explore locations with community member reviews and swim level. Swim Analytics - view the current temperature and quality via sensors in the float.

Design process

Initial concepts were inspired by rugby balls due to their streamlined shape, which reduces drag and aids buoyancy distribution. Adding a fin caused uneven weight, making the float tip over, highlighting the need for balanced form and support. MK1: Shark-inspired with a fin for easy carry and safety lights. Though buoyant, its rounded shape caused rolling, showing stability issues. MK1.1: Mini 3D models tested shapes quickly. Flat tops were most stable; rounded ones tipped. A longer, lower body redesign was planned. MK2: Inspired by ship hulls, focusing on stability and ergonomic grip. It supported users well, but the leash kept getting caught. MK3: First design for manufacture iteration. Improvements needed for making it watertight, securing the insert and aesthetic design. MK4: DFM refinement started with a cross section drawing to understand how the three parts fit together including the placement of the rubber gaskets for waterproofing. The shape was changed from rectangular to oval as it fits better with the overall form. MK5: Fixed window sealing by adding overlap on twist locks and a bigger surrounding gasket. Electronics: Tested pH, turbidity, TDS, and temperature sensors with various liquids. Data showed on LCD with status messages and alert LEDs/buzzer.

How it is different

MAKO is different because it goes far beyond what existing tow floats offer. Most products focus only on visibility or storage, but MAKO combines safety, accessibility, and smart technology in one solution. It features real-time water quality sensors that alert users to pollution, GPS swim tracking, and an SOS function linked to a smartphone. It’s designed for swimmers with reduced mobility and includes a guided breathing aid to help prevent cold water shock. Unlike standard inflatables, MAKO has a hard-shell body inspired by a ship’s hull, which prevents it from toppling and improves stability in open water. The modular insert system allows for easy upgrades and repairs. It uses recycled ocean plastic in its packaging and durable materials like HDPE and ABS in its construction.

Future plans

If I were to further develop MAKO, I’d create different float sizes designed specifically for shorter swims or group swims, offering more tailored support. I’d also design a lightweight, retractable leash that stays compact and unobtrusive until needed, making swimming less restrictive and more comfortable. Additionally, I’d include a cold-water survival pack with essentials like a thermal blanket, emergency beacon, and whistle to improve safety in emergencies. These enhancements would make MAKO even more adaptable, user-friendly, and dependable for a wide range of wild swimming experiences.

Awards