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Case study – Beach & Coastal Safety application

Securing the beaches of the Landes: a direct lifeline to the SAMU for holidaymakers

GSM Technology

Marine environment

Hands-free

Direct SAMU line

Context

Beach & Coastal Safety application

With its 106 km of coastline and around fifteen seaside resorts, the Landes department is a flagship tourism destination in France, attracting millions of visitors every year (23.1 million overnight stays in 2021). This “little paradise” for surfers and nature lovers appeals thanks to its unspoilt landscapes and vast beaches. However, this exceptional natural environment is also a high-risk area: the famous “baïnes” (rip currents), jellyfish stings and sudden illnesses require constant vigilance and special attention.

Moreover, while daytime monitoring is provided by lifeguards, the issue of holidaymaker safety becomes even more pressing outside supervised hours or in more isolated areas. In this context, protecting users and ensuring rapid response capacity becomes a complex challenge for local authorities and emergency services.

Project objectives

Several municipalities on the South Coast of the Landes were looking to strengthen the safety of summer visitors beyond traditional measures (flags, lifeguards). The objective was clear:

Challenges encountered

Securing a beach presents very specific challenges that the solution had to address:

The security "gap"

Accidents often occur when lifeguard stations are closed. This gap had to be filled.

Lack of communication means

On the beach or in the water, holidaymakers do not always have a phone or network coverage available.

A harsh environment

The equipment had to withstand sand, salty air, wind, heat and humidity.

General panic

In an emergency, witnesses often waste time trying to find out who to contact.

Solution proposed by A2S

To meet this critical need, A2S deployed the waterproof ISIS-ml emergency call station (GSM / VoIP version). This technological choice quickly emerged as the most suitable solution to guarantee a reliable and secure link in a coastal environment, where environmental conditions can be particularly demanding.

With this in mind, the stations were installed in “upper beach” areas, i.e. at strategic points that are both highly visible and easily accessible, before direct access to the sand. In this way, users can quickly locate the device in an emergency. The system was deployed on six beaches on the South Coast, including the beaches of La Nord and Vieux Boucau.

Key features of the solution

Extreme robustness

The station is made up of a robust SMC enclosure and thick steel, specially designed to withstand impacts, bad weather and vandalism.

Standalone GSM communication

Operating on the mobile network, the station does not require complex telephone cabling, which is ideal for natural sites.

"Hands-free" ergonomics

The system works without a handset (to prevent breakage or theft) and is activated via a single button.

Direct SAMU line

The button is programmed to instantly dial 15 (SAMU), ensuring immediate medical assistance.

Why A2S VOICE?

A2S was able to adapt an industrial technology to the requirements of the general public and the marine environment:

1) Ease of use

A single press triggers the call, enabling any witness to raise the alarm without even knowing the emergency number.

2) Increased visibility

The stations, in bright yellow—the standard emergency colour—are immediately easy to spot on the beach.

3) Easier maintenance

The call number can be programmed remotely, offering flexible management for municipal technical services without requiring systematic on-site intervention on the beach.

Deployment and integration

The deployment targeted key tourist footfall hotspots. Installation in the upper beach area protects the equipment from tides while remaining in the immediate vicinity of bathing areas. The choice of GSM enabled rapid implementation without major trenching works in protected dunes.

Results

Installing these stations created an essential additional safety net for the attractiveness and security of the Landes coastline.

Maximum responsiveness: Eliminating delays linked to finding a phone or a number, enabling faster emergency response.
24/7 safety : The system remains operational even when the surveillance flags are down, protecting walkers and early or late swimmers.
Extended coverage : Successful equipping of six major beaches, strengthening the destination’s safety image.
Resistance validated : Equipment that stands up to marine elements and intensive public use.

Conclusion

With this project in the Landes, A2S VOICE demonstrates that industrial technology can save lives in natural environments. By providing a standalone, highly visible and indestructible call station, A2S VOICE enables coastal municipalities to offer continuous protection for their holidaymakers, making the beach a safer place at any time.