INVENTING WAYS TO SAVE LIVES

THEY’RE the two Gold Coast inventions that could win a big youth science prize – and save lives.

Jared Crowley, of Tallebudgera, and Reedy Creek’s Lachlan Zidar – both of Marymount College – are finalists in the BHP Billiton Foundation Science and Engineering Awards.

Lachlan, 14, said his invention – a laser pool alarm system – could hopefully save children from drowning.

“Seeing how laser is used to protect precious objects like at banks, why not use that?” he said. The laser sits above the pool line and when it is broken, an audio and visual alarm is set off.

Year 9 student Jared said he was inspired to build an Automated Flood Warning Device after his home flooded last year during Cyclone Debbie. The device sends a text message to a person’s phone when the float switch is tripped, he said.

There are two float switches to alert the owners to different water levels.

“It took around two months ... and the coding had to be done from scratch,” he said.

The pair will attend a four-day camp in Melbourne and present their invention in front of a panel of judges. Winners are announced on February 6.