METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESCUE

Abstract

A rescue device may be provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the rescue device may have a housing, at least one reflective mirror dispose don the housing, and at least one dye chamber disposed within the housing. The dye chamber may be filled with dye. The rescue device may have a retractable antenna disposed on the housing, wherein the retractable antenna may be capable of transmitting a rescue beacon. The rescue device may have at least one light and the rescue device may be buoyant.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application claims benefit and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/840,582 entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESCUE” filed on Apr. 30, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure.

BACKGROUND

Rescue operations face a number of difficult challenges, but the first and primary challenge for rescuers is being able to locate the individual so that a rescue plan can be devised and employed as soon as possible. Without knowing where the individual is, resources cannot be directed appropriately to help the individual out of the life-threatening situation they have found themselves in. Delays in rescue can lead to dehydration, starvation, exposure, extreme sunburn, and in the worst-case-scenarios death. This makes rapid location a high priority for rescue efforts. Current means of locating individuals may include educated guesses based on knowledge of where the individual was last seen and knowledge of currents, weather patterns, and other conditions, or descriptions from the individual by cell phone, radio, or GPS location. These methods are all unreliable due to the guesswork involved, the signal and power requirements for communication with the individual, and similar limitations.

Individuals hoping to be rescued may attempt to get the attention of would-be rescuers or passing individuals in the area to aid their own rescue. Hand signals may be used, but are extremely limited to close distance observers and well-lit conditions. Individuals may have things like flares, flashlights, reflective materials, or beacons to aid in the rescue efforts. Flares have a limited duration and if the rescuer does not see the flare in time, it becomes useless, and may not be as visible during the day. Flashlights are limited in their strength, especially during the day, and need to be directed in a specific direction to be useful for the rescuers. Any of these singular individual items fail to provide efficient and effective means for an individual to alert rescuers of their location no matter the time of day, duration of rescue efforts, direction employed, or other limiting means.

SUMMARY

According to an exemplary embodiment, a rescue device may be provided. The rescue device may have a housing, at least one reflective mirror dispose don the housing, and at least one dye chamber disposed within the housing. The dye chamber may be filled with dye. The rescue device may have a retractable antenna disposed on the housing, wherein the retractable antenna may be capable of transmitting a rescue beacon. The rescue device may have at least one light and the rescue device may be buoyant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements, in which:

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue.

FIG. 1B is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue.

FIG. 2A is a side elevation view thereof.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view thereof.

FIG. 2C is a cut-away view thereof.

FIG. 2D is a cut-away view thereof.

FIG. 3A is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue.

FIG. 3B is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue.

FIG. 4A is an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue with no reflective top.

FIG. 4B is an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue with no reflective top.

FIG. 4C is an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue with no reflective top.

FIG. 4D is an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue with no reflective top.

FIG. 5A is an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue with no reflective top.

FIG. 5B is an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue with no reflective top.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue during use.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue during use.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue during use.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue during use.

FIG. 10 shows an elevation view of another exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 14 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 19 shows an elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 20 shows an elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 21 shows an elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 22A shows a diagrammatic arrangement of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 22B shows a diagrammatic arrangement of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 22C shows a diagrammatic arrangement of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 22D shows a diagrammatic arrangement of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 22E shows a diagrammatic arrangement of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 22F shows a diagrammatic arrangement of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 23 shows a diagrammatic arrangement of an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device.

FIG. 24 shows an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device during use.

FIG. 25 shows an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device during use.

FIG. 26 shows an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device during use.

FIG. 27 shows an exemplary embodiment of a rescue device during use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of several terms used herein follows.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

Further, many embodiments are described in terms of sequences of actions to be performed by, for example, elements of a computing device. It will be recognized that various actions described herein can be performed by specific circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), by program instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a combination of both. Additionally, these sequence of actions described herein can be considered to be embodied entirely within any form of computer readable storage medium having stored therein a corresponding set of computer instructions that upon execution would cause an associated processor to perform the functionality described herein. Thus, the various aspects of the invention may be embodied in a number of different forms, all of which have been contemplated to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. In addition, for each of the embodiments described herein, the corresponding form of any such embodiments may be described herein as, for example, “logic configured to” perform the described action.

According to an exemplary embodiment, and referring to the figures generally, various exemplary implementations of a Method and Apparatus for Rescue may be disclosed.

Turning now to exemplary FIG. 1A, FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an apparatus for rescue 100. FIG. 1B is a side elevation view of an exemplary apparatus for rescue. Exemplary embodiments described herein may describe aspects of a singular device that can increase the likelihood of being found in the event of an emergency. The device may attract attention from passing or nearby boats, planes, or individuals in a variety of ways using multidirectional reflectors, a high visibility dye tracer, a laser or SOS LED light, or a whistle. The multidirectional reflectors may increase the likelihood of catching the eye from searchlights, sunlight, or other light sources. A high visibility dye tracer may color surrounding water and help the individual be seen in a large body of water. The laser or light source could be turned on or directed at potential rescuers to attract their attention. The whistle may be blown by the individual to attract attention when it is difficult to be seen, but they may still be heard.

Turning now to exemplary FIGS. 2A-2D, FIGS. 2A-2D show an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue 100. FIG. 2B-2D show sectional and cut-away views of an the apparatus for rescue 100. Apparatus for rescue 100 may optionally include one or more of multidirectional reflectors 110, a light beacon 120, one or more dye portals 130, a whistle 140, a whistle cap 141, one or more internal chambers 150, waterproof casing 160, reflective handle 161, and a clip loop 170. The multidirectional reflectors 110 may be geodesic signal mirrors. The multidirectional reflectors 110 may be fixed in a convex arrangement on the top of the apparatus for rescue 100. The multidirectional reflectors 110 may surround a light beacon 120 at the very top of the device for rescue 100. The multidirectional reflectors 110 may cause light to ricochet in multiple directions. In some exemplary embodiments the apparatus for rescue 100 may be on a boat or in water and may rock back and forth in waves. As it rocks, the multidirectional reflectors 110 may disperse light and catch the attention of those in its line of sight. The multidirectional mirrors may act like a disco ball in its reflective function. The apparatus for rescue may also have reflective tape. The reflective tape may allow apparatus 100 to be seen at night when light is directed towards apparatus 100. The reflective handle 161 may be on the waterproof casing 160. The reflective handle 161 may reflect additional light from the apparatus for rescue 100. The reflective handle 161 may help attract attention from search lights and other light sources near the apparatus for rescue 100. The reflective handle may be used for directional reflection of light by a user. The one or more internal chambers 150 may contain dye. One or more of the one or more internal chambers 150 may optionally be sealed airtight or contain flotation foam. The sealed air or flotation foam in one or more of the one or more internal chambers 150 may keep the apparatus for rescue oriented towards the sky when it is in water. The location of the one or more chambers may allow flotation in the desired orientation. For example, the majority of flotation may be orientated

Turning now to exemplary FIGS. 3A-3B, FIG. 3A shows an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue 100 from the top view. FIG. 3B shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a light beacon. The light beacon 120 may include a laser 122 and/or SOS LED light 121. The laser 122 may be green. The laser 122 may also be another color depending on the intended conditions of use. The SOS LED light 121 may have multiple lights. The SOS LED light 121 may flash regularly. The SOS LED light 121 may instead flash to communicate a message using Morse code. The SOS LED light 121 may include one or more colors. The SOS LED light 121 may use different colors for different conditions. For example, at sunrise or sunset the light may be green for greater contrast to the skyline and reflection in the water. Alternately, The SOS LED light 121 may instead use red light if the surroundings contain significant amounts of plant or algae which may make red light more distinctive. The light beacon 120 may be aimed towards potential rescuers or in a desired direction. The apparatus for rescue 100 may be placed down by the user and/or clipped to the individual or vessel using the clip loop 170. The apparatus for rescue 100 may also include means of recharging the battery for the light beacon 120.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4D, FIG. 4A-4D show an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue with no reflective top from multiple angles. FIG. 4A shows the apparatus for rescue 100 tilted towards the viewer while FIG. 4B shows the apparatus for rescue 100 in side elevation. FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D show the apparatus for rescue 100 in side elevation with the whistle cap 141 removed. FIG. 4C shows the apparatus for rescue rotated 90 degrees from FIG. 4B, while FIG. 4D shows the apparatus for rescue rotated 180 degrees from FIG. 4B. The apparatus for rescue 100 is enclosed in a waterproof casing to protect from water damage in emergency rescue conditions. The apparatus for rescue 100 may have a whistle 140. The whistle may be covered with a whistle cap 141 when not in use. When in need of rescue, the individual may use the whistle 140 to attract attention. If the individual sees a potential rescuer, they may blow the whistle 140 instead of trying to get their attention visually. The individual may blow the whistle 140 with Morse code or another means of conveying a message to indicate they need help. The apparatus for rescue 100 may also contain another means of auditory signal. This may include automated beeping that can be turned on and off as needed. The whistle 140 or beeping may allow for increased likelihood of rescue in conditions of low visibility by using sound in place of visual signals.

Turning now to FIGS. 5A-5B, FIGS. 5A-5B show an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue with no reflective top from multiple angles showing internal and external components. The apparatus for rescue 100 may contain one or more internal chambers 150. The chambers 150 may be located around the light beacon 120 underneath the multidirectional reflectors 110. The chambers 150 may additionally or alternatively be located in the waterproof casing 160. One or more of the chambers 150 may contain dye. The dye may be wax, pellets, tablets, powder, gel, soap, liquid, or oil. The dye may be activated or dissolve when it comes into contact with water. One or more of the chambers 150 may prevent the dye from being released when the user does not wish to release the dye. The chambers 150 may be connected to dye portals 130. The dye portals 130 may be open or closed. The dye portals 130 may use plugs to be opened or closed. The dye portals may optionally be opened or closed with a cap, a clasp, or other means of sealing something closed. An open dye portal 130 may allow water to enter the chamber and activate dye. An open dye portal 130 may also allow dye to leave the chamber and enter the water. A closed dye portal may not allow water or dye to enter or leave the chamber. At least one dye portal may be open at all times to release dye upon contact with water. This may allow dye to be released even if the user is not conscious or otherwise unable to open a dye portal 130. The dye portals 130 may allow the user to control when the dye is activated. The one or more chambers 150 may be refillable. The dye may be released into surrounding water.

The dye may contain a surfactant to keep the dye at the surface of the surrounding water. The dye may stay at the surface without a surfactant if it is oil-based or otherwise less dense than water. The dye may be environmentally safe. The dye may be highly visible. The dye may have a reflective sheen like that of an oil spill. The dye may be green. The dye may instead be visible outside the visible light spectrum, allowing for potential rescuers to use other tools and aids to look for the dye in greater contrast. The dye may release heat to allow for heat detecting night vision optics. The dye may be activated to release heat in a manner similar to hand warmers. The dye may glow in the dark to allow easier visibility at night. The dye glow may be activated by ultraviolet rays. The dye may glow near a light, like a blacklight. The dye may be identifiable based on the individual to allow rescuers to know who released it if the dye is no longer near the individual. In some exemplary embodiments, the color of the dye may indicate the individual's current circumstance. For example, if they are running low on food or water, the dye they release may be green, while if they are seriously injured and need immediate medical attention, the dye may be red. The dye may make a reflective foam. The reflective foam may be colored. The dye may cause bubbles to form. The bubbles may be colorful and or reflective. Any color selection for the dye may cause a distinct visual based on an intended body of water.

Turning now to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 displays an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue 100 in use. A method for rescue may involve the apparatus for rescue 100 and a potential rescuer 400. The potential rescuer 400 may be in a helicopter, a plane, another boat, or along a shoreline or otherwise in the line of sight of the apparatus for rescue 100. The potential rescuer 400 may be actively looking for the individual or may merely be passing by. The apparatus for rescue 100 may be clipped to a boat or an individual in need of rescue is on. The individual may have turned on the light beacon 120, specifically the individual may have turned on the LED SOS light 121. The LED SOS light 121 may simply be on or may flash light for the potential rescuer 400 to see. The flashing light may send an SOS message using Morse code for the potential rescuer 400 to see.

Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8, FIGS. 7 and 8 display another exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for rescue 100 in use. The method for rescue may involve the apparatus for rescue 100, an individual needing rescue 500, a vessel 300, potential rescuer 400, and a laser beam 600. The individual 500 may be on a vessel 300. The individual may have seen a potential rescuer 400 and be trying to attract their attention. The individual may use the laser 122 to aim it at the potential rescuer 400. The laser 122 may make a laser beam 600 which is aimed at the potential rescuer 400. The potential rescuer may see the laser beam 600 on a surface near them. The potential rescuer may then identify the source of the beam 600 as the individual needing rescue 500 so they can rescue them. The potential rescuer 400 may alert authorities of the location, get the individual on their vessel, or otherwise aid in the rescue of the individual 500.

Turning now to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method for rescue. The method for rescue may include an apparatus for rescue 100, a vessel 300, dye 200, and a potential rescuer 400. The apparatus for rescue 100 may be clipped to a vessel 300 using a clip loop 170. The apparatus for rescue 100 may release highly visible dye into the surrounding water. The potential rescuer 400 may be able to see he dye in the water to help them locate the vessel 300 that an individual in need of rescue may be on. The potential rescuer 400 may alert authorities of the location, get the individual on their vessel, or otherwise aid in the rescue of the individual.

According to further embodiments of a rescue device 200, as shown in FIGS. 10-27, device 200 may have a housing 202. Device 200 may be buoyant, such that at least a portion of device 200 is disposed above a water surface when device 200 is floating, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Housing 202 may have an elongated body 204 and a bulbous head 206. Body 202 may optionally have an ergonomic handle design or grip element, such as rubber, for facilitating handling during an emergency. Housing 202 may store components detailed herein and/or may serve as a mount for components. Housing 202 may optionally seal internal components in a water-tight manner. Housing 202 may enclose components described herein and a power source, such as a battery 208 and/or a power generating/recharging unit, which may be kinetic-based or solar. Housing 202 may be a high visibility color and may optionally be made of reflective material. Device 200 and components described herein may meet standards and/or guidelines recommended by the United States Coast Guard or government agencies. Housing 202 may house at least one flotation chamber containing a buoyant gas or material, as would be understood by someone having ordinary skill in the art. The at least one flotation chamber may be arranged within housing to facilitate flotation in a desired orientation. For example, the at least one flotation chamber could be disposed in the head portion 206 such that the head portion is more buoyant than the body portion 204.

Device 200 may have at least one signal mirror 210. According to further embodiments, device 200 may have a plurality of signal mirrors 210. Signal mirrors 210 may, individually or in combination, reflect and scatter light in multiple directions. Furthermore, signal mirrors 210 may be scratch and/or shatter resistant. Signal mirrors 210 may be placed on head 206 and/or body 204.

Device 200 may further include at least one or a plurality of dye chambers 220. Dye chambers 220 may house a highly visible dye 222. Chambers 220 may have at least one opening 224, which may allow contents of chambers 220 to interact with an ambient environment or atmosphere, which may include air or water. According to an exemplary embodiment, ambient water may interact with dye 222, when device 200 is floating, submerged, or partially submerged in ambient water. Dye 222 may dispense upon contact with water. For example, dye 222 may be a wax formula dye that dispenses upon contact with water. In one embodiment, dye 222 may be in a solid or semi-solid state within chambers 220 and may dissolve and dispense upon contact with water. When dye 222 is dispensed or mixed with water, it may create a visible dye trail, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. In other embodiments, dye 222 may be in a solid, semi-solid, or liquid state within chambers 220 and may flow through the at least one opening 224 with or without the introduction of ambient water through opening 224. Dye 222 may be a high visibility color. According to some embodiments, opening 224 may have a cap or seal, which may optionally be water-tight, that can be opened or closed automatically or manually. According to other embodiments, the at least one opening 224 may always allow communication with an ambient environment.

According to some further embodiments, device 200 may have at least one flag, ribbon, or streamers 230. Streamer 230 may move due to wind or motion of device 200, which may attract attention from the side or above. Streamer 230 may be a high visibility color and/or may include a lightweight reflective fabric over at least one side or a portion of streamer 230. Streamer 230 may be affixed to a flagpole or antenna 232, which may optionally be telescopic. Furthermore, antenna 232 may optionally be detachable, such that it can be held and waved by an individual separate from device 200. According to a telescoping embodiment, flagpole/antenna 232 may retract into housing 202. Antenna 232 may serve additional purposes, including acting as an antenna or otherwise facilitating signal transmission or receipt capabilities. Antenna 232 may be extended or retracted to optimize a signal. Device 200 may have one or more transmitter/receiver components 240, which may generate or receive signals according to standard rescue protocols. For example, component 240 may transmit a signal at 121.5 MHz, the General International Air Distress (IAD) frequency or other aircraft or maritime bands reserved for emergency communications or VHF Guard. An exemplary transmission could include at least one of 60 warbles/sweeps, 5 seconds of silence (dead carrier, radio waves with no sound), cycling through programmed pulses, spelling of GUARD in Morse Code, and 1 second of silence. Transmissions may be repeated. Transmitter 240 may optionally transmit at pre-programmed sequences, including Morse Code sequences. These sequences may be used to indicate distress. Component 240 may be a radio transmitter. According to some further exemplary embodiments, antenna 232 may be a coil antenna integral to or disposed within or on housing 202. In yet further exemplary embodiments, there may be a telescoping, retractable antenna and a coil antenna.

According to some exemplary embodiments, device 200 may function as an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), which may include all capabilities of an EPIRB, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Device 200 may transmit an automatic identification system (AIS) signal, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Other capabilities may include 406 MHz capabilities, 72 channel Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capabilities, and Medium Earth Orbiting Search and Rescue (MEOSAR) capabilities. Furthermore, device 200 may transmit a warning alert for cell phones within a certain range of a distress signal. Cell phone within the range may receive a notification of the distress and a call to be on the lookout. The distress signal may also transmit a geographic location.

According to further exemplary embodiments, device 200 may further include a sound-making distress alarm 250. Device 200 may also include a radar reflective material 252, which may cause device 200 to create a noticeable radar signature visible to rescuers.

According to still further exemplary embodiments, device 200 may have a light 260. Light 260 may be disposed in housing 202. According to some exemplary embodiments, device 200 may have a plurality of lights 260 disposed around housing 202. Light 260 may project a solid light or flashes of light. Light 260 may also project a selectable color and/or multiple colors. According to some exemplary embodiments, light 260 may have a strobe feature and the strobe feature may optionally cycle through multiple colors of light. Light 260 may be designed to emit signal flashes in specific wavelengths within the visual spectrum and may emit the flashes at a frequency recommended for search and rescue applications, such as those according to the United States Coast Guard study CG-D-04-15 (Alternatives To Pyrotechnic Distress Signals, Laboratory and Field Studies). Light 260 may have, for example, cyan LEDs with wavelengths from 490 to 51 nanometers, red-orange LEDs with wavelengths from 614 to 624 nanometers, and far-red/IR LEDs with wavelengths from 720 to 750 nanometers and intensity of approximately 561 mW (milli-watts). Light 260 may have a strobe frequency, where a strobe driver cycles between Cyan Blue, Red Orange, and Infrared LEDs, in a powering sequence for 3 pulses each at 4 Hz before switching to the next color. There may be a 250 ms “rest” while switching between LED wavelengths. Light 260 may further have lens optics, which may project the light in a variety of directions. According to an exemplary embodiment, lens optics may project the light laterally across the water, such that observers searching from aircraft, watercraft, and land may see the light. Lens optics may also optionally project the light vertically up from the water. According to some embodiments, light 260 may be disposed at a tip of pole/antenna 232.

Device 200 may further have reflective tape 270 disposed on housing 202. Reflective tape 270 may be, for example, SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) reflective tape, which may present an eye-catching surface when exposed to a light source. According to an exemplary embodiment, components of device 200 may be turned on by a user input, such as a switch, or may be turned on automatically during an emergency, such as by a water actuated switch, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. As such, device 200 may have a water sensor 290 for actuating at least one of the components of device 200 described herein. For example, water sensor 290 may initiate at least one of light 260, audible alarm 250, transmitter 240, and a dye dispensing window. Device 200 may also include a rope, tether or lanyard attachment, which may facilitate tethering of device 200 to a person or object.

The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art (for example, features associated with certain configurations of the invention may instead be associated with any other configurations of the invention, as desired).

Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A rescue device comprising:

a housing;

at least one reflective mirror disposed on the housing;

at least one dye chamber disposed within the housing, wherein the chamber is filled with dye;

a retractable antenna disposed on the housing, wherein the retractable antenna is configured to transmit a rescue beacon; and

at least one light,

wherein the rescue device is buoyant.

2. The rescue device of claim 1, wherein the dye is a wax dye formula that disperses upon contact with water.

3. The rescue device of claim 1, further comprising an audible alarm.

4. The rescue device of claim 1, wherein the at least one light has multiple colors.

5. The rescue device of claim 4, wherein the at least one light has a strobe feature.

6. The rescue device of claim 5, wherein the at least one light flashes one color at a time and is configured to flash in a pre-programmed sequence of colors.

7. The rescue device of claim 6, wherein the sequence includes at least one flash with an infrared wavelength.

8. The rescue device of claim 1, further comprising a coil antenna.

9. The rescue device of claim 1, further comprising a tether attachment.

10. The rescue device of claim 1, further comprising reflective tape disposed on the housing.

11. The rescue device of claim 1, further comprising a water sensor.

12. The rescue device of claim 11, wherein the water sensor is configured to activate at least one of the at least one light, the antenna, and an audible alarm.

13. The rescue device of claim 1, further comprising at least one streamer affixed to the retractable antenna.

14. The rescue device of claim 1, wherein the at least one light is configured to project laterally.

15. The rescue device of claim 1, wherein the rescue device is configured to float in an upright orientation such that at least a portion of the housing is substantially above a water line.

16. The rescue device of claim 15, wherein the housing comprises at least one floatation chamber filled with air or a buoyant material.

17. The rescue device of claim 2, wherein the at least one dye chamber has at least one opening for fluid communication with an ambient environment.

18. The rescue device of claim 1, further comprising a battery pack.