Swimming pool lifeguards given extra help by AI technology
An AI system used in 120 public pools across Australia analyses swimmers' movements and sends an alert to a lifeguard's smartwatch if it detects someone in trouble.
If you have a dip in your local pool this summer, you might be watched by more than just a lifeguard.
Some 120 public pools across the country are adopting new technology that can help detect when swimmers are drowning and alert staff.
The AI system analyses people's movements in the water and sends an alert to a smartwatch if it detects someone in trouble.
"It gives them eyes in the back of their head," says Duncan Hutton, City of Stirling's recreational facilities operations coordinator.
The system taps into the pool's existing CCTV to watch if a swimmer goes underwater for too long, stops moving or appears to be struggling.
The technology does not replace lifeguards; it just helps them. (ABC News: Lauren Smith.)
"This system is really a superpower and additional tool for our lifeguards — we're not replacing anyone,"
he said.
"You still need the lifeguard to actually respond to the incident."
AI system has already saved lives
It has been used at the Stirling Leisure-Inglewood pool in Perth for more than a year.
A few months ago, the technology proved its worth.
"Our lifeguard got notified initially … luckily, during the rescue we had a member of the public actually swim over the top," Mr Hutton said.
"But by having this system, our lifeguard was there pretty much a few seconds after that and was able to get the rest of the team to assist in the rescue very, very quickly."
RJ Houston says the AI system alerts lifeguards to incidents they may have missed. (ABC News: Darryl Torpy)
Royal Life Saving Australia (RLSA) said the system had also averted a tragic outcome at a pool in Sydney, where someone was underneath a boom — a type of moveable bulkhead in the water.
"The system alerted the lifeguard twice — the first time [they] had a look and they couldn't see anyone and they walked away,"
RLSA's RJ Houston said.
He said the system prompted the lifeguard a second time to go back and take another look, having analysed multiple overhead views from different angles.
Mr Houston said the lifeguard was able to get in the water, pull the person out and avoid an adverse outcome.