'Innovative' lifeguard system created by Clare County Council up for public sector award

An innovative digitalised system for compiling lifeguard statistics in real time, developed by Clare County Council and with the potential to be rolled out nationwide, has been shortlisted for multiple accolades at this year’s Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards.

The system, which was developed in house by Clare County Council staff, is being considered for a total of four awards - Outstanding Contribution to Planet Earth; Digital Skills or Talent Initiative of the Year; Individual Digital Leader of the Year in the Public Sector; and Rising IT Star.

The development of this GIS-based application for real-time data and information tracking, incident reporting, and data monitoring allows for faster analysis and better decision-making, enabling more strategic resource allocation to areas of greatest need.

Lifeguards can now report incidents in real-time, allowing for faster response times and more effective management of beach safety. The digital dashboard provides supervisors with immediate access to data, enabling informed decisions quickly and efficiently. This real-time monitoring ensures lifeguard operations are more coordinated and responsive, ultimately enhancing the safety and well-being of beachgoers.

Noeleen Fitzgerald, Director of Finance and Support Services, Clare County Council, said, “This digital data collection project for lifeguards in County Clare exemplifies exceptional leadership in driving digital transformation within the public sector. The ICT department, together with the environment section and our fantastic lifeguards who come on board every summer, have taken this on so that we now have real time records of what is happening on our beaches.”

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Bhavesh Patadiya, GIS Officer, Clare County Council, who led the development of GIS-based digital solutions, said, “We are thrilled to be shortlisted for these awards, which recognises not only the benefit of this new system to water safety in Clare but also acknowledges its huge potential to be scaled up to include other public services. This innovative system improves efficiency, reduces costs, and minimises environmental impact.”

Brendan Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer, Clare County Council, added, “We are proud to have developed and implemented an innovative system that works smarter and increases beach safety, from Mountshannon to Kilkee and everywhere in between, all the while saving around 648 kg in the council’s carbon emissions this year. Being recognised for these awards among other esteemed projects is the icing on the cake.”

Clare County Council is shortlisted among six Government organisations from 55 entries for these Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards.

Among its four nominations is the Outstanding Contribution to Planet Earth nomination recognising Clare County Council’s development of an enhanced system of data collection, analysis, and reporting of lifeguard activities, incidents, and response times. Adopting this more efficient and data-driven approach to beach safety will ultimately contribute to a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone in County Clare.

Clare County Council has also been nominated for the Digital Skills or Talent Initiative of the Year for replacing the legacy system of cumbersome paper forms with a GIS application, to use tablets to record incident information in real time. This improvement in digital services enhances public safety and demonstrates the efficacy of leveraging technology for better service delivery.

The Digital Leader of the Year Award recognises how the system has measurably improved service delivery, reduced operational costs, enhanced citizen engagement, and driven innovation in the council. By providing this scalable model for other authorities to follow, Clare County Council has shown great leadership in the digital sphere.

The Rising IT Star award recognises individual excellence and outstanding achievements in the field of IT within the public sector. This award category celebrates individuals who have shown exceptional potential, dedication, and innovation in the delivery of IT services and solutions that have had a positive impact on the public sector.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in the Mansion House in Dublin on October 10, 2024.

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