New technology to help lifeguards spot swimmers in trouble sooner is set to be trialled at two Brisbane pools as part of Brisbane City Council’s ongoing pool safety efforts.
The Lynxight technology will be introduced at Runcorn Aquatic Centre and Yeronga Memorial Pool, providing an extra set of eyes to help lifeguards keep watch over swimmers.
The technology uses pool cameras and artificial intelligence to monitor swimmer movement and identify signs that someone may be in distress.
If a potential problem is detected, lifeguards receive an immediate alert so they can quickly check on the swimmer and respond if needed.
The Council says the technology is designed to support lifeguards, not replace them, with trained lifeguards continuing to supervise pools and respond to emergencies.
The initiative has also gained support from Royal Life Saving Australia.
“Pool lifeguards proactively identify and manage risk. They help prevent drownings and safety incidents before they occur through vigilant supervision, education of pool users and enforcement of pool rules. They are also there to rescue someone when things go wrong – but they cannot be everywhere or see everything at once,” said Royal Life Saving Australia COO, RJ Houston.
“AI-powered drowning detection technology cannot have a conversation with a patron or pull someone from the water. But, working in partnership with lifeguards, it can help super-power their ability to see more and address gaps in supervision, providing a valuable additional layer of support.”
With more than 758,000 pool visits recorded last summer alone during the Council’s popular $2 Summer Dips initiative, the trial is about finding new ways to make a day at the pool even safer.
“Whether you’re taking the kids for a swim, doing laps or cooling off on a hot day, safety always comes first,” said Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner.
“Lifeguards do an incredible job keeping thousands of swimmers safe at our 22 pools and this technology will give them an extra set of eyes.
“When someone is in trouble in the water, every second counts and an earlier alert could make all the difference.
“This technology is already being used at pools around the globe and we’re excited to see how it can help keep Brisbane swimmers safe.
“If it can help our lifeguards spot someone in trouble sooner and prevent a tragedy, it’s absolutely worth exploring.”
The technology can continuously monitor activity across the pool, providing additional support during busy periods and helping draw attention to incidents that may be difficult to immediately spot.
Lynxight is already being used at more than 1,000 pools around Australia and the world and is part of a national partnership with Royal Life Saving Australia aimed at strengthening drowning prevention.
The trial will look at how effectively the technology can help identify swimmers in distress and support faster responses and whether it could help improve safety at more Brisbane pools in the future.
Installation at Runcorn and Yeronga is expected to take place over the coming months.
