Toby John Stroobant

Outdoor Safety Device

The NOVA Coastal is a personal communication and location device designed to enhance safety for coastal adventurers within 8 km of shore. It reimagines traditional beacons by introducing live tracking, regular check-ins, and distress alerts that connect adventurers, loved ones, and emergency services through a unified platform.

Developed through extensive user research and testing, the design addresses four key barriers to safety device adoption: affordability, convenience, intuitiveness, and aesthetics. By using a cellular eSIM system instead of satellite networks, NOVA Coastal dramatically reduces both hardware and subscription costs, ensuring accessibility without compromising reliability.

The device features an unobtrusive, waterproof polycarbonate and silicone over moulded casing designed for active movement in demanding coastal environments. Its minimalist form ensures comfort and social acceptance, encouraging consistent use. The headless design minimises digital distraction while extending lifespan and battery performance -providing over 72 hours in distress mode and up to 75 days in standard operation.

Complementing the device, the NOVA Coastal Companion App enables observers to monitor trips in real time, receive alerts, and access critical information such as location and medical data during emergencies. Together, the device and app form a holistic safety ecosystem that fosters connection, peace of mind, and rapid emergency response in coastal environments.