Apple Watch patent suggests potential emergency SOS feature for swimmers

A recent patent application from Apple hints at a potential emergency SOS feature for the Apple Watch that could help prevent drownings.

The patent describes how the Apple Watch can detect “irregular behaviour” indicating distress in the water and automatically trigger help. By highlighting the alarming statistics associated with drowning incidents, Apple emphasizes the critical need for rapid risk prevention, especially in cases involving children.

Every year more than 3,500 people in the United States die from drowning. Drowning is also the fifth most common cause of accidental death in the country and most people who die by drowning are children.

Key features of the envisioned system include the ability to identify non-swimmers entering deeper areas of a pool and promptly send alerts to designated contacts, including friends, family members, and lifeguards. These alerts could integrate with existing drowning detection and alarm systems, ensuring a rapid response to potential emergencies.

While it's important to note that Apple files numerous patents that may not necessarily materialize into product features, the potential for an SOS feature tailored for swimmers appears promising, given the Apple Watch's existing capabilities in detecting falls, heart issues, and vehicle accidents.

The company has previously showcased real-life instances where its technology has played a pivotal role in saving lives.