H2O Heroes app for iPhone and iPad

The app contains a scavenger hunt for beach creature shaped signs that will be placed at various areas around the beach. Each sign focuses on a different area of beach safety, with 5 in total:
• Cold water shock
• Sun safety
• Rip Currents
• Tides
• Waves

Find the 5-sea creature shaped signs at Aberdeen beach, scan the QR codes to reveal the water safety tips, complete the quizzes and get your reward.
Find all 5 to become a H2o Hero!


For older users:

There is a section for older children and adults that features 6 buoys with more in-depth information; again, each focusing on a different area, as above, with the addition of mental wellbeing- as we know that over 200 people a year complete suicide in water in the UK.

We will inform and educate our local people that it can be fun to play in the water, however, there are many hazards that they first must be aware of.

The key messages that we will focus on is:

• Always swim in a safe place and with an adult.

• If you fall in, float, breathe, relax.

• If someone else is in trouble, call 999, do not join them in the water.

• Cold water shock- the water in Aberdeen never goes above 15c.

• There may be hidden currents and hazards.
•It can be difficult to get out.
•It can be difficult to perceive the depth of water and may be very deep.

• There are no lifeguards there.


Why did we develop this app?

The last three years have seen an increase in water related deaths in Scotland, reaching an all-time high of 99 (accidental deaths) in 2020. The figures for 2021 are set to be even higher than the previous 3, with 10 drownings sadly occurring in just one month! The problem effects people in Aberdeen who do water sports or who walk near water (44% of all fatal incidents the person had no intention of entering the water) which is the majority of people in Aberdeen as it is surrounded by beautiful beaches.

And that’s where we come in!

We have developed an app in an attempt to prevent harm and save lives at Aberdeen Beach. The aim is to deliver key safety messages about our beach in a fun and interactive way - mimicking what we do in “The Safe” but expanding our reach to meet our community members where they are.

How does it work?
1. Download the app.
2. Head to Aberdeen beach.
3. Press the location pin to open the map.
4. Use the map to find the 5-beach creature shaped signs.
5. Press the camera to scan the QR codes and reveal the safety tips.
6. Collect all 5 to become a H2o Hero!

For users Age 4+