BARNSTABLE – Representatives from Acoustic Technology Systems of Boston Inc. (ATI) made a presentation to Barnstable County Commissioners on Wednesday, detailing technology that could help save lives in the event of a shark sighting in the waters.
Sales Manager Robert McLaughlin proposed the use of its high-powered speakers with sirens and voice capability along Outer Cape beaches that could be heard up to two miles away.
The speakers would have to be activated by someone once a shark is spotted, then once activated, the sirens would go off, followed by a voice message that says ““Evacuate the water, this is not a test.”
“It’s real-time, it’s fast, it’s quick, we’ve been doing it for almost 40 years and it has zero impact on the environment,” said McLaughlin.
McLaughlin ended his meeting with Commissioners by offering at no charge to use one of its systems for three months at one location as a pilot project.
“I raised two daughters and for 20 years I’ve rented cottages in Orleans,” said McLaughlin.
“My girls, when they were babies, we took them to Skaket Beach. As soon as they could swim, they said ‘Dad we want waves’. They grew up learning to swim at Nauset Beach, so this is personal. These are my beaches too.”
The Commissioners let him know to contact the individual town officials and the National Seashore with the offer.
Commissioner Ron Beaty Jr. invited the East Boston-based company to attend the meeting and make the presentation.
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