Three Oxford leisure centres have introduced new Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven technology to enhance swimmer safety and support the work of the fully trained lifeguards who work at the facilities.
The system, which is backed by the Royal Lifesaving Society, uses standard overhead cameras and AI to monitor and analyse swimmer behaviour, providing an additional level of safety to swimmers.
It is linked up to waterproof smart watches worn by the lifeguard team at Ferry Leisure Centre, Barton Leisure Centre and Leys Pools and Leisure Centre, which can alert them to issues such as overcrowding or swimmers in distress.
The smartwatch provides colour-coded alerts and a live headcount, so lifeguards can instantly see how many people are in the pool at any one time.
Brian Taylor, chair of More Leisure Community Trust (MLCT), which operates five facilities in Oxford on behalf of the city council, said: “Over the past few months, we’ve been rigorously testing the ALT system, and training our lifeguards in how to use it.
We’re now proud to announce that this AI tech is in place and ready to provide support to our excellent lifeguarding team, as well as an extra level of safety assurance to the people who use our pools.
“The new ALT system will not only support us in keeping swimmers safe but is also an excellent planning tool. We can now see which parts of the pool get used the most, which will allow us to provide a more tailored programme of swimming sessions for our customers.”
Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for A Healthy Oxford at Oxford City Council said: “We are committed to making our leisure centres as safe and welcoming as possible. The introduction of AI-assisted lifeguard technology is an exciting step forward, ensuring that our pools remain a safe place for everyone to enjoy.
“We’re pleased to see More investing in both innovation and public safety, supporting the vital work of our lifeguards while giving swimmers extra reassurance.”
MLCT works in partnership with Serco to manage facilities on behalf of Oxford City Council.
