AI Cameras to Watch for Signs of Distress at Brisbane Pools
The Sydney Morning Herald
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Details
- Date Published
- 11 Aug 2026
- Priority Score
- 1
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 11 Aug 2026, 04:00 am
Description
The council says the technology is not replacing lifeguards, but the system could operate as an “extra set of eyes”.
Summary
The Brisbane City Council is trialling Lynxight AI technology at public pools to monitor swimmers and provide real-time alerts to lifeguards when signs of distress are detected. This application represents a practical deployment of computer vision in public safety, aimed at reducing drowning incidents through automated supervision. While the article highlights the benefits of AI in enhancing human oversight, it focuses on narrow safety applications rather than existential or frontier AI risks. The development is significant in the context of Australian municipal safety policy and the integration of AI tools into public infrastructure.
Body
AdvertisementNew AI cameras that watch swimmers for signs of struggling or distress are set to be trialled at public pools in Brisbane.The Lynxight technology uses artificial intelligence to constantly monitor all swimmers at a venue, and alerts lifeguards immediately if someone requires help.It will be installed by Brisbane City Council at Runcorn Aquatic Centre and Yeronga Park Memorial Pool within months.The Lynxight AI tool watches swimmers for signs of struggling and will be rolled out at two Brisbane City Council pools. LynxightLord Mayor Adrian Schrinner described the technology as an “extra set of eyes” and said it would support lifeguards, not replace them.Advertisement“When someone is in trouble in the water, every second counts and an earlier alert could make all the difference,” he said in a statement.“If it can help our lifeguards spot someone in trouble sooner and prevent a tragedy, it’s absolutely worth exploring.”During last year’s $2 Summer Dips period, 37,083 people visited Runcorn Aquatic Centre, and 59,369 visited Yeronga Park Memorial Pool.Lynxight has already been rolled out at other Australian pools as part of a national partnership with Royal Life Saving Society Australia.Advertisement“AI-powered drowning detection technology cannot have a conversation with a patron or pull someone from the water,” said the society’s chief operating officer, RJ Houston.“But, working in partnership with lifeguards, it can help super-power their ability to see more and address gaps in supervision, providing a valuable additional layer of support.”Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.SaveYou have reached your maximum number of saved items.Remove items from your saved list to add more.ShareLicense this articleMore:City councilFor subscribersWilliam Davis is a reporter at Brisbane Times.Connect via email.AdvertisementAdvertisement