Lighting the Depths: How a Diving Rehabilitation Base Enhances its Experience and Safety with Lighting Solutions

Since 2020, the Krok po kroku HSA Association in Piła, Poland, has been redefining what’s possible for individuals with disabilities—underwater. By leveraging innovative technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the organization is helping participants explore the wonders of aquatic life while overcoming physical and emotional barriers.

Their latest achievement is the opening of a floating Diving Rehabilitation Base on Lake Płotki—believed to be the only facility of its kind in Europe. Designed specifically to support adaptive diving, the base serves as a trailblazer in underwater rehabilitation for people with disabilities.

The Challenge: Enhancing Safety and Comfort in a First-of-Its-Kind Diving Base

The base accommodates up to ten participants and is divided into a “wet” section with year-round water access and diving equipment, and a “dry” section for training and preparation. Further expansions are planned, including a thermobaric chamber and underwater mirrors to enhance training and therapy.

The underwater environment offers unique therapeutic advantages – including weightlessness, natural water resistance, and sensory isolation – which can greatly support both physical and psychological rehabilitation. These benefits are particularly valuable for individuals with disabilities, injuries, or sensory processing challenges. Moreover, the ability to observe aquatic life in its natural habitat can enhance the overall therapeutic experience. As the program grew, however, the team identified a critical area for improvement: underwater lighting. Better illumination would significantly enhance the overall diving experience, improve visibility and orientation, and most importantly, support the safety and comfort of participants—many of whom are diving for the first time.

The Solution: Lighting from ONCE, a Signify brand, Elevates the Underwater Experience

Seeking a lighting solution capable of withstanding tough aquatic conditions while delivering consistent, high-quality illumination, the HSA Association turned to Marcin Andrzejewski, General Manager of Signify Poland. As a global leader in lighting and parent company of ONCE, Signify brought expertise and a creative approach.

Signify installed an underwater test luminaire, which was subsequently evaluated by divers. Their luminaires have demonstrated high reliability in demanding marine environments, reinforcing trust in their durability and safety. Additionally, they can be mounted at various depths, can be dimmable and, most importantly, do not blind divers, as the light source is directed downward. This feature is particularly crucial when supporting individuals who require specialized conditions during underwater rehabilitation.

The chosen solution was the Philips Seacage 680W compact light—a technology originally developed to support fish growth in aquaculture environments while reducing sea lice exposure by up to 50%. Featuring a proprietary fish light spectrum, the Seacage 680W delivers high output in a compact form, making it ideal for smaller or deeper aquatic installations. While the diving base was an unconventional setting for the light, the Signify team was confident that the Seacage’s robust design and performance would translate well to this rehabilitation-focused environment

Promising Results: New Applications for Innovative Lighting

The results were promising—underwater visibility improved significantly, and participants reported a greater sense of safety and comfort during their sessions. The team is now applying for government grants to fund the purchase of four additional Seacage 680W compact lights.

Proper underwater lighting significantly improves the safety and accessibility of aquatic environments, making them more suitable and effective for therapeutic use. Through active collaboration with rehabilitation centers, foundations, and other social institutions, we gain valuable insights into their specific needs and constraints, allowing us to deliver proven and reliable technological solutions.

Beyond rehabilitation, this technology also holds great potential in public safety. For example, underwater luminaires equipped with cameras can support fire and rescue services during search operations. Remote bottom-scanning eliminates the need for divers to enter potentially dangerous waters, reducing operational risks and improving response efficiency.

Looking forward, underwater lighting systems may also contribute to environmental protection. Future applications, such as UV-based disinfection of polluted water bodies, could help eliminate biological hazards without the use of costly pumps, filters, or chemical treatments—thereby offering an eco-friendly alternative for municipalities and environmental agencies.

This collaboration showcases the potential of Signify’s advanced lighting solutions beyond their agricultural origins. It’s also a reminder that the right light doesn’t just illuminate space—it can transform lives.