Altitude Training Systems
ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…
read moreSelwyn 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.
10th December 2024 - Lynxight innovative drowning prevention technology improves swimmer safety in Logan
9th December 2024 - Recreation Aotearoa award recognises industry achievements
8th November 2024 - City of Wanneroo set to install Lynxight anti drowning technology
30th August 2024 - Lynxight drowning prevention technology installed at Stirling’s revamped Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre
25th July 2024 - Water Safety New Zealand highlights urgent need for funding to end drownings
22nd July 2024 - CLM’s Kirsty Knowles appointed as Co-Chair of Recreation Aotearoa
5th June 2024 - Royal Life Saving Society - Australia and Lynxight announce aquatic facility safety partnership
28th May 2024 - Research highlights potential of climate change to boost cryptosporidiosis in New Zealand swimming locations
20th March 2024 - Recreation Aotearoa announces new partnership with Xyst
16th January 2024 - Foxton Pools to reopen following $5.8 million rebuild
14th December 2023 - Auckland Council recommends Safeswim for water safety advice this summer
30th November 2023 - CLM and Recreation Aotearoa announce partnership extension
6th November 2023 - Christchurch City Council’s Nigel Cox wins Recreation Aotearoa award for contributions to the recreation industry
15th August 2023 - Lynxight explain role of AI systems in aiding water safety
26th July 2023 - International Maritime Organisation partners with World Health Organization anti-drowning campaign
11th July 2023 - 25th July marks World Drowning Prevention Day
21st March 2023 - Lynxight Drowning Prevention Technology enters the Australian market
3rd November 2021 - Water Safety New Zealand invest $2 million in community drowning prevention programmes
3rd May 2021 - Thousands enjoy opening of Canterbury’s new Selwyn Sports Centre
23rd September 2019 - Work commences on Selwyn Aquatic Centre extension
9th August 2011 - Water Safety New Zealand elected to AUSTSWIM
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
Click here to view our subscription options.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…
read moreInterQuad (International Quadratics) With a combined legacy spanning over 150 years, International Quadratics (founded in 1976) and Pierce Pool Supplies (originally established in 1898 as A H…
read more@leisure is a team of experienced leisure, aquatic and sports facility managers and planners, with market modelling, sports management, recreation planning, business and GIS qualifications. We have…
read moreAs of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as VIVATICKET Pty Ltd. Click here to view the VIVATICKET Pty Ltd listing. 19th July 2018 - ENTA…
read moreAt easyemployer we've come up with a software solution that manages one of your most important, and often most costly, business resources - your staff. We are helping 100s of clients to…
read moreLinks Modular Solutions was a leading provider of high-quality, innovative software solutions for aquatic and recreation facilities. Links Modular Solutions is now part of Xplor Technologies.
read moreHumanforce is a global provider of workforce management solutions for companies who need flexibility to manage complex workforces. Companies use Humanforce to manage everything from time and…
read moreHadley Australia and Series Australia Pty Ltd are the leading quality theatre chair manufacturers in the southern hemisphere. The businesses work closely with architects, interior designers and…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!