Australia, Sam Adeloju, Industrial Design graduate from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has been announced as the winner of the International James Dyson Award for his design "Longreach" a floatation device that could save swimmers from drowning. Sam won the silver award in the Australia Design Awards which meant he was in the running for the global award.

Sam's design, named Longreach, with the unofficial name "Buoyancy Bazooka", shoots an emergency flotation device 150 meters out to sea. Made from hydrophobic foam, the buoy can expand up to 40 times its size on contact with water so the swimmer can stay afloat without the risk the buoy will spring a leak. The device is also equipped with flares for night time. Sam developed the idea for the Longreach, after seeing hi-tech grenade propulsion technology during training with the Army Reserves.

The first Australian to win the award in five years, Sam is in talks with Surf Life Saving Australia about conducting field trials. He received A$16,000 in prize money, and a trip to the Dyson laboratories in the United Kingdom.

The 23-year-old, who graduated from the UNSW Faculty of Built Environment last year, said he was encouraged by the award organizers' enthusiastic response to the Longreach. "They said it was an innovative and very practical design that had great potential to protect people and save lives," he said. Sam is now seeking to further develop the Longreach and take it into production.

UNSW Faculty of Built Environment offers a comprehensive range of specialised degree programs that few universities can match. The Faculty offers seven undergraduate programs: (Architectural Computing, Architectural Studies, Construction Management and Property, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Planning), six postgraduate courses (Architecture, Construction Project Management, Planning, Property and Development, Sustainable Development, Urban Development and Design) and degrees by research (Master of Philosophy, Master by Research and Doctor of Philosophy).

Based in Sydney, Australia and with easy access to the best beaches, cafes and museums, students gain a real insight into one of the most exciting cities in the world and learn about its dynamic environment. Students learn from award-winning and industry-acclaimed academics and graduates are ranked amongst the most highly sought by industry and government around the world. Sam, like all Built Environment graduates learned from the local environment and developed a global perspective. His Longreach design will help save lives in Australia and around the world!

For more information on studying at UNSW Built Environment:
Email: fbe@unsw.edu.au
Website: www.fbe.unsw.edu.au