AI tech takes on one of NSW's deadliest rock fishing spotsBy Melinda JamesKBy Kelly FullerABC IllawarraTopic:Recreational Fishing3h ago3 hours agoFri 17 Oct 2025 at 9:11pmLoading...In short:A new trial is using AI cameras at Kiama Blowhole to detect when rock fishers are swept off the rocks.The Kiama Blowhole is one of NSW's deadliest rock fishing spots, with 11 deaths in the past 15 years.What's next?The system will also be tested at Sydney’s Little Bay, another high-risk fishing location.One of the state's most dangerous rock fishing spots is the focus of a new Surf Life Saving NSW trial using artificial intelligence to help prevent drownings.The 14-month project is underway at Kiama Blowhole, where powerful waves and unpredictable conditions have claimed 11 lives in the past 15 years.The new cameras are designed to detect when someone is swept into the water and alert rescue crews within seconds.Danger spot chosen for trialSurf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce said the technology could make a major difference in one of the state's deadliest coastal locations.Lifesavers trial AI cameras to detect emergencies and improve coastal safety.(Supplied: SLSNSW)"This is a really exciting project," he said. "We're using artificial intelligence to improve how quickly we can respond when rock fishers get into trouble."He said Kiama was chosen because of its history of tragedy."The Blowhole area is unfortunately well known for fatalities," he said."We also get so many rescues, and the local clubs at Kiama and Gerringong are constantly called out all year round."The cameras are mounted overlooking the rock shelf and use high-resolution imaging to monitor the number of people standing on the rocks."The cameras scan the rock shelf every millisecond and count people on the rock shelf," he said."So, if ten people, for example, are standing there on the rock shelf fishing, and in a millisecond if it drops down to nine, the artificial intelligence is trained to identify that is one person in the water, and the camera can detect a person in the water."That then initiates an activation of an alarm back in the State Operations Centre in Sydney, and we can automatically plan a response from local life savers and lifeguards, and any of the other emergency services."Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce says the AI camera trial at Kiama Blowhole could transform how lifesavers detect and respond to rock fishing emergencies(Supplied)Lifesavers train the technology by jumping inTo help train the system, lifesavers are running controlled exercises in calm conditions, jumping into the water to simulate real rescues."Locals will see — what they think looks pretty silly — but we will have groups of people standing there and jumping off into the into the water to train it,"Mr Pearce said."Anything that can help save a life is worth it."He said the trial would also strengthen local rescue capability, with jet skis and emergency response teams ready to react once the alarm sounds."People in the community should be proud," Mr Pearce said."Kiama is helping lead the way in lifesaving technology."ABC Illawarra — local news in your inboxGet our local newsletter, delivered free each ThursdayEmail addressSubscribeYour information is being handled in accordance with theABC Privacy Collection Statement.