Queensland-first technology improves swimmer safety

Published: 10th December 2024

The innovative drowning prevention technology – which uses overhead cameras and specialist software to detect unusual movement in the water – has been installed at Gould Adams Park Aquatic Centre at Kingston.

Lifeguards receive a real-time alert on a smartwatch that pinpoints the location in the pool where a swimmer could be struggling.

It is the first time the water safety technology has been used in Queensland.

Mayor Jon Raven said Logan City Council is proud to lead the way in improving the safety of swimmers by using innovative best-practice technology.

“While there’s no replacement for adequate supervision from parents, caregivers and lifeguards, this technology will be an extra layer of safety around pools.

“For those in our community who can’t swim or are not confident in the water – this could help save someone’s life,” he said.

“We hope this upgrade gives greater peace of mind to locals visiting the newly renovated Gould Adams pool this summer.”

In 2023, the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia (RLSSA) recorded six drowning deaths, 18 non-fatal drowning incidents and more than 7,800 rescues at public swimming pools.

RLSSA General Manager – Capability and Industry, RJ Houston said the organisation was pleased to support enhanced safety through next-generation lifeguard assistance technology.

“While lifeguards play critical prevention and rescue roles, supervision in public swimming pools can be challenging,” Mr Houston said.

“The potential of combining lifeguard expertise with AI-enhanced drowning detection technology is a promising development for Logan and the broader community.”

The camera technology, which Council plans to continue to roll out across other pools the coming years, also helps plan venue operations, by providing information about attendance, which in turns help with rostering and improving visitor experiences.

Pool visitors can also be assured their privacy is protected as the technology monitors only general behaviour patterns and cannot capture facial or body imagery.

In addition to the new cameras, Council has also heavily invested in the city’s aquatic centres in recent years, including:

a $2 million refurbishment of Gould Adams Park Aquatic Centre during winter 2024 to replace the shell linings of all three pools and repaint the facility a $9 million upgrade of the 50-metre pool at Logan North Aquatic Centre –including an extra two lanes– in 2022, followed by a $2.7 million children’s splash pad and improved changeroom facilities in the past year refurbishments for the beach entry pool at Eagleby Aquatic Centre in 2023, including new shade sails, shelters and seating.

A $23.1 million redevelopment of Beenleigh Aquatic Centre – featuring a new heated 50-metre pool, expanded children’s area, modern change rooms, administration centre and café – is due to open ahead of summer 2025*.

“Our pools are popular places all year round, not only for the most dedicated of lap swimmers, but also for those learning to swim or just enjoying a space to cool off,” Mayor Raven said.

“And as we get closer to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we’ll continue to invest in the venues and infrastructure that benefit our young and fast-growing city.”

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About Royal Life Saving Australia: Royal Life Saving Australia is dedicated to the prevention of drowning and the promotion of safe aquatic places and practices through education, research, risk management and advocacy. We are committed to ensuring that all Australians can enjoy water safely and confidently.

About Lynxight: Lynxight makes pools safer and smarter by using AI to enhance standard CCTV cameras and send real-time alerts to lifeguards in order to prevent water distress incidents.

About City Venue Management: City Venue Management proudly operates Gould Adams Park Aquatic Centre (Kingston) and Logan West Aquatic Centre (Hillcrest) on behalf of Logan City Council.

*The Beenleigh Aquatic Centre upgrade project is funded through the $285.8 million SEQ Liveability Fund, one of 29 commitments being delivered under the SEQ City Deal, with the Logan City Council investing $13.4 million alongside contributions from the Australian and Queensland governments of $4.85 million each.