An Adelaide pool has become the first in the state to use AI to help stop patrons drowning.
Trained lifeguards at the Elizabeth Aquadome now wear a smartwatch, giving them an extra pair of eyes on the pool deck by providing real-time alerts about swimmers in trouble
Strategically positioned cameras ensure there are no blind spots in its pool, and artificial intelligence makes sure someone is always on guard.
The drowning detection alert also shows exactly where the person is in the pool and sends a photograph of what they look like, helping a lifeguard immediately assess the danger.
The cameras also detect unusual splashing or movement in the water which could indicate that someone is struggling
"If someone goes under the water for a minimum of 30 seconds, then those cameras send an alert to our lifeguard's watches," Joel Perricone from BlueFit Group said.
"This technology has the potential and will save lives, it is just a matter of when and how we respond using our human resources in our lifeguards."
"Essentially it is reassurance for us to make sure that the areas we have patrolled past or are moving off from are safe," Lifeguard Riley Giersch said.
"We can't be everywhere at once and this system allows us to ensure that the areas we are not are safe."
Since the technology was introduced, lifeguard response times have dropped dramatically, from 86 seconds to less than 25.
The Lifeguard On Watch system is already used at 15 other aquatic facilities across the nation with a further 10 set to introduce it later this year.
There are also plans to one day bring AI onto beaches, although that would bring with it some extra hurdles.
"The challenge of that would be getting cameras in the sky around beaching areas and then dealing with the movement of the water," Perricone said.
Watch every moment, every medal of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now. Plus, every event ad-free and in 4K on Stan Sport.