Assisted Lifeguard Technology (ALT) FAQS Pool technology is fast evolving and increasingly considered by leisure operators as an option to be installed at their site(s). Whilst RLSS UK supports using pool technology to enhance swimmer safety, it should be viewed as a supplementary measure rather than a replacement for pool lifeguards. Lifeguards must remain the primary control measure, with technology serving as a secondary layer of protection. Below, we have provided answers to questions that we are commonly asked about pool technology to help you decide if it is right for your venue. Find out more about Assisted Lifeguard Technology for Swimming Pools Questions about Assisted Lifeguard Pool Technology: What is Assisted Lifeguard Technology (ALT)? What is a drowning detection system? What are the benefits of using Assisted Lifeguard Technology (ALT)? What are the considerations when selecting technology to enhance swimming pool safety? What technologies are used to prevent drowning? What devices are used to detect a pool user who may be in difficulty drowning? Can AI detect a pool user having difficulty or drowning in water? How can technology help increase the number of people who enjoy swimming? How do Assisted Lifeguard Technology or Drowning Detection Systems help swimming pool operators comply with the Health and Safety Executive guidance - HSG179? What is a summary of the swimming pool operator guidance for automated monitoring and detection systems? Why is Assisted Lifeguard Technology (ALT) or Drowning Detection Systems (DDS) being installed in some pools and not others? Will AI lifeguard technology mean the number of lifeguards on the poolside can be reduced? Questions about Assisted Lifeguard Technology What is Assisted Lifeguard Technology (ALT)? ALT is an automated monitoring and detection system that supports and alerts lifeguards to promptly identify and respond to a developing emergency, allowing a blended lifeguard approach. Assisted Lifeguard Technology (ALT) products like Lynxight and Poolview offer advanced technological solutions to enhance safety in commercial pools. By understanding each system's specific capabilities and features, pool operators can choose the most suitable solution. Always consult with the manufacturer, designer, or retailer to gain detailed insights into a system's functionality and ensure it meets your requirements. For more information, visit www.rlss.org.uk/assisted-lifeguard-technology What is a drowning detection system? Some swimming pool technology suppliers use the term "drowning detection." This technology tends to alert others when it identifies a person who may be in distress or submerged and require rescue. Since 2023, an updated term of reference, ‘Assisted Lifeguard Technology (ALT),’ has been introduced to reflect newly developed swimming pool technology. The new term highlights the ability of modern technology to intervene at an early stage and assist lifeguards to promptly identify and respond to a developing emergency, allowing a blended lifeguard approach. For more information, view the guidance at www.rlss.org.uk/other-guidance What are the benefits of using Assisted Lifeguard Technology (ALT)? ALT support lifeguards and emergency responders by enhancing surveillance and helping identify pool users who might be at risk of drowning. However, it is not recommended to rely solely on technology; the best solution is technology and humans. Technology cannot educate pool users on safety information, perform rescues, recover casualties, or provide immediate lifesaving first aid. For more information, visit www.rlss.org.uk/assisted-lifeguard-technology What are the considerations when selecting technology to enhance swimming pool safety? When selecting swimming pool technology, it is essential to consider the following factors: Coverage area: Ensure the system can effectively monitor the entire pool area, from the surface to the bottom of the pool. We know people can need assistance from anywhere in the pool. The system's limitations are fully understood. No system is infallible and should not wholly replace lifeguard/responder provisions. Alert mechanisms: Check how the system alerts lifeguards or staff (e.g., through visual and audio signals and notifications on mobile devices). Installation and maintenance: Understand the installation process and ongoing maintenance requirements to ensure the system remains functional and effective. Data Privacy: Consider how the system handles and stores video data, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and safeguarding users' privacy. For more guidance, visit www.rlss.org.uk/other-guidance What technologies are used to prevent drowning? Technologies known as Assisted Lifeguard Technology (ALT) or Drowning Detection Systems (DDS) enhance safety in swimming pools, especially in commercial settings. These systems vary widely in their capabilities and features and are tailored to meet specific requirements. Two prominent examples of such systems in the UK are Lynxight and Poolview. Each system has different capabilities, and you should check with the manufacturer, designer, or retailer to understand more about the ability of a particular system. What devices are used to detect a pool user who may be in difficulty or drowning? The use of devices varies depending on the type of technology used. The two main systems are camera systems (CCTV) (either under or over water), which use AI technology to alert, and a more basic underwater (CCTV) camera system to enhance visibility. The second is wearable technology, a personal device that detects if the person wearing the device is submerged for a period. For more information, visit www.rlss.org.uk/assisted-lifeguard-technology Can AI detect a pool user having difficulty or drowning in water? Yes: AI Detection: Lynxight's AI algorithms continuously analyse video feeds from a camera to recognise patterns and identify signs of distress or unusual behaviour indicative of drowning or when a pool user requires help. Real-time Alerts: When the system detects potential drowning situations, it sends immediate alerts to lifeguards or responsible personnel, allowing quick intervention.. For more details, please get in touch with [email protected] How can technology help increase the number of people who enjoy swimming? A safer environment means swimming is more accessible for all. How do Assisted Lifeguard Technology or Drowning Detection Systems help swimming pool operators comply with the Health and Safety Executive guidance - HSG179? The HSG179 guidance explains how the technology should, ideally, be adopted; it clearly states that it is not a replacement for lifeguards if your pool requires constant supervision. For more information, view the guidance at www.rlss.org.uk/other-guidance What is a summary of the swimming pool operator guidance for automated monitoring and detection systems? The primary function of an automated monitoring and detection system is to support and alert lifeguards to promptly identify and respond to a developing emergency and support lifeguards, allowing a blended lifeguard approach to pool supervision. An automated monitoring and detection system does not eliminate the lifeguard function. This guidance is compatible with and supportive of the principle of constant pool supervision in line with established guidance and expectations, enabling operators, through risk assessment, to control the number and position of lifeguards; it is aimed at swimming pools when the pool is constantly lifeguarded and seeks to guide the performance and design elements that should be considered when installing and operating an automated system. It is not intended to cover the local operational aspects of computerised systems detailed in the risk assessment. It does not cover the operation of stand-alone CCTV systems or wearables and non-camera systems. For more information, view the guidance at www.rlss.org.uk/other-guidance Why is Assisted Lifeguard Technology (ALT) or Drowning Detection Systems (DDS) being installed in some pools and not others? The pool operator controls and decides if technology is needed as an additional control measure or suitable for use in the swimming pool. Will AI lifeguard technology mean the number of lifeguards on the poolside can be reduced? RLSS UK supports using technology, as its primary aim is to assist lifeguards, not to remove them altogether. The lifeguard is the primary control, with the technology being secondary. It is important to remember the role of the lifeguard is to identify hazards, educate pool users, keep the pool environment safe, and, in the event of emergency rescue, recover the pool user to poolside, providing immediate lifesaving first aid if required. Technology cannot fulfil the role of a lifeguard and shouldn't be used to replace the lifeguard. Manage Cookie Preferences