In a groundbreaking move to bolster swimmer safety, Queensland has implemented an advanced AI surveillance system at the Gould Adams Park Aquatic Centre in Kingston. The Lynxight system employs sophisticated cameras and software to monitor swimmers, detecting signs of distress and promptly alerting lifeguards via smartwatches.​
RJ Houston, General Manager of the Royal Life Saving Society Australia, emphasized that this technology is designed to augment lifeguards’ capabilities, not replace them. By reducing response times during potential drowning incidents, the system aims to increase survival rates.
The initiative comes in response to alarming statistics from the previous year, which recorded six fatal and eighteen non-fatal drownings in public pools nationwide. Lifeguards conducted nearly 8,000 rescues, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures.
Logan Mayor Jon Raven assured the public that the system respects privacy, as it does not utilize facial recognition technology. The AI system, costing approximately $45,000 annually, is slated for expansion to other pools across the region.
This technological advancement aligns with the recent $2 million refurbishment of the aquatic centre, preparing facilities ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The integration of AI into public safety infrastructure marks a significant step forward in utilizing technology to protect lives.