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Selwyn Aquatic Centre will be the first New Zealand swimming pool to use Lynxight drowning prevention technology to help keep pool users safe.

Installation of the system - which uses camera and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to scan swimmer activity for signs of potential drowning incidents - began with one pool at the facility in December, with the full complex to be completed by end of June.

The technology will use 27 cameras across the facility to track and analyse swimmer movements, alerting lifeguards to possible signs of a swimmer in trouble via waterproof smartwatch technology and dashboards in the lifeguard office. The notifications will show in which pool the incident is happening and the location of the person.

James Richmond, Selwyn District Council’s Head of Sport and Recreation, explained “the Selwyn Aquatic Centre is our most used site with over 530,000 customers in the past year. Lifeguarding is a challenging role, and this technology is incredibly innovative and is a valuable tool that will help our qualified lifeguards to keep people safe. We’re thrilled to be one of the first users of this technology in New Zealand.”

The Council began investigating the possibility of introducing the technology after a person had a medical incident while swimming at the centre in 2023. The person was successfully assisted by staff, but they noted it was challenging to see the person due to reflection and glare on the water. A subsequent investigation recommended looking into technology that could help reduce that risk.

The innovative technology is part of the council’s new digital strategy to use more technology to improve council operations.

Selwyn District Council Chief Digital Officer, Matt McGrath commented “we’re going digital, and this project is just the beginning - we are committed to doing things differently, making use of technology and being future-focused.”

Recreation Aotearoa is closely following the Council’s journey with drowning detection and prevention technology.

Recreation Aotearoa Chief Executive, Sarah Murray stated “it’s exciting to see these advancements. Technology has the potential to help lifeguards save lives, but we remind parents and caregivers that active supervision is critical to ensure our kids are safe in and around the water.”

While the system uses cameras and AI software to detect signs of distress before drowning occurs, McGrath advised that privacy is also top of mind for the Council, noting “the system complies with international laws and privacy regulations.

"The AI recordings are only used to identify body behaviours, not record details that could identify people. Recordings are stored on-site and are automatically deleted after seven days.

“No staff members will have access to the recordings.”

For more information on Lynxight drowning prevention technology click here to contact Lynxight through their entry in Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

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