New technology that can help lifeguards spot swimmers in trouble sooner will be trialled at two Brisbane pools as part of a push to make swimming safer for the community.
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 technology is designed to support lifeguards, not replace them, with trained lifeguards continuing to supervise pools and respond to emergencies.
With more than 758,000 pool visits recorded last summer alone during the Schrinner Council’s popular $2 Summer Dips initiative, the trial is about finding new ways to make a day at the pool even safer.
Over the same period, Runcorn Aquatic Centre received 37,083 visits, while Yeronga Memorial Centre was Brisbane’s fourth most popular pool over summer with 59,369 visits.
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 1000 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.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“Whether you’re taking the kids for a swim, doing laps or cooling off on a hot day, safety always comes first.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Royal Life Saving Australia COO RJ Houston:
“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.
“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.”
