05 October, 2015
Some people do not like being separated from their telephone, even while enjoying a restful holiday at the beach. So, a university student from Lebanon developed a most unusual beach mat. The device both provides power to cell phones and keeps drinks cool.
Twenty-three-year-old Antoine Sayah designed the water-resistant mat he calls Beachill. It has a 5-watt solar panel. The device can be used to recharge electronic devices. The mat also has refrigeration equipment that can keep drinks cool.
"I designed something that could solve the problems I face when I go to the beach," he says. "My phone runs out of battery, and water warms up in my bottles. I can't relax because mattresses cause back pain."
Antoine Sayah began selling the Beachill on social media for $150. He says he has been surprised at the reaction worldwide.
"I got phone calls from Brazil, Toronto, all over Europe, especially France, America, from all continents ..." he says.
He adds that some people like the mat because it is lightweight and easy-to-carry. Rita Mathieu purchased one of the Beachills.
"When I am on the beach, I used to always look around for a charger and never managed to find any and the water never stays cool," she says. "So [the Beachill mat] is great and has everything in it, even a pocket where I can put a book."
The product can also be used in other places, like around the house, swimming pools and on boats.
I'm Jonathan Evans.
VOA's Deborah Block reported this story from Washington. Jonathan Evans adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.
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Words in This Story
beach – n. an area next to an ocean or lake
mat – n. a chair or place to lie down on the ground
recharge – v. refuel or repower
battery – n. power supplies
relax – v. to become or cause to become less tense
mattress(es) – n. a piece of cloth that is filled with material and used as a bed
pool(s) – n. a man-made swimming hole