The Raft uses two independent detection systems that work in tandem to ensure aquatic emergencies are never missed.

Water Alert — primary detection

The Raft has recessed water sensors that detect submersion. The moment both sensors register water simultaneously, a Water Alert is declared automatically — no button press required. The alert travels to the Alert Station over LoRa radio and triggers your facility's alarms and responder notifications.

Because both sensors must be submerged at the same time, normal splashing or incidental water contact should not trigger a false Water Alert. The sensors need to be fully submerged to activate.

Keep sensors clean. Mineral deposits, rust, or debris on the sensor contacts can prevent proper activation. Inspect and clean the sensor area regularly with a dry cloth, especially in hard-water environments.

Fall Alert — backup detection

The Fall Alert is a secondary layer of protection designed for deep-water scenarios where the water sensor signal may not be able to escape the pool to reach the Alert Station.

The Raft's built-in accelerometer monitors for a rapid drop event — the motion signature of a lifeguard sinking quickly. If that drop is followed by a complete loss of signal from the Raft, the system automatically declares a Fall Alert. This ensures that even a deep-water incident, where the water signal is blocked by the water itself, does not go undetected.

The Fall Alert algorithm is proprietary to Punch Rescue. Its sensitivity is configurable per Alert Station. 

Manual button press

A lifeguard can press the Raft's button at any time to manually trigger an alert — for a visible emergency on the pool deck, a medical situation, or any situation where immediate help is needed. The manual button press is mapped to an emergency category configured in the dashboard.