04/08/2023

RLSS UK, the UK's leading swimming pool water safety organisation, and GLL, the UK's leading leisure trust and largest public swimming pool operator, have been working together on a tripartite collaboration with pool safety Assisted Lifeguard Technology company, Lynxight. This ground-breaking partnership aimed to thoroughly test the Lynxight system with a view to revolutionising how lifeguards and operators safeguard pool users across the UK and Ireland.

For over thirty years, RLSS UK has been at the forefront of supporting pool operators with qualifications, guidance, consultancy, and expert training to meet evolving water safety challenges. Embracing technology as a means to enhance safety and support lifeguards and pool operators, RLSS UK and Lynxight, with GLL’s expertise and support, is introducing an innovative and affordable new solution for pool risk management. This collaboration reaffirms RLSS UK's commitment to being the leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding, sharing expertise, and providing everyone with the skills to save lives and enjoy water safely.

Robert Gofton, CEO of RLSS UK, expressed his delight, stating, "After several years of investigating how technology and AI would impact lifeguarding and lifesaving, we are thrilled to announce this partnership with Lynxight. We believe this system will elevate swimming pool safety, making pools even safer for everyone."

Lynxight's pioneering technology, developed by founders with military service experience, combines specialist Artificial Intelligence (AI) software and swimmer behaviour analysis with standard security cameras to deliver real-time insights both above and below the water, directly to the lifeguard's smartwatch. The system complements the highly skilled work of trained lifeguards, as recommended in the new National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) Gen 10, supported by world-leading international research. It continuously monitors pool users and promptly alerts lifeguards via smartwatches about anyone who may require assistance, enhancing overall pool safety. Lynxight's cost-effective solution utilises an overhead security camera system, offering easy maintenance, minimal impact on pool buildings, and low visibility to pool visitors. It can operate in various pool types, including indoor standard tank swimming pools, freeform pools with irregular shapes, and outdoor swimming pools.

Jo Talbot, Commercial Director at RLSS UK, emphasised the importance of embracing technology while upholding the significance of lifeguarding. "Swimming pool operators can now enhance safety standards and further protect the well-being of pool users across the UK and Ireland," she said.

During a successful six-month trial by GLL, they were able to adapt, test and refine the system to meet the stringent needs of UK pool operators. Enhanced metrics generated also helped to optimise swimming pool operations, including real-time insights into pool usage, swimmer numbers, and detailed data for each lane or pool area. The positive results and feedback from the trial have generated immense interest, with GLL planning to install the Lynxight system in a number of their swimming pools over the coming months.

Chris Hebblewhite, National Standards and Compliance Director at GLL said, "Assisted Lifeguarding Technology is about making pools even safer for everyone, and this 'UK first' between RLSS UK, GLL and Lynxight, represents a huge step forward. With this landmark collaboration, we are leading the integration of technology and lifeguarding expertise to create a safer environment for all pool users.”  For GLL, it is the first major initiative to be developed by its new Product Innovation Campus – which brings together physical infrastructure, equipment, content, programming, digital tools, and strategic partnerships - to facilitate innovation and advancement within its customer offer.

Swimming pool safety expert, Andy Read, commented: “For many years, I have been convinced that lifeguards in public swimming pools should be able to benefit from technology offering them a secondary level of safety, which supports a combined lifeguard and technology approach. The availability of the Lynxight system and the prominent use of the words ‘artificial intelligence’ will, I hope, be treated positively by designers, local authority commissioners of facilities, operators, and those with an enforcement role such as Environmental Health Officers, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), but most importantly by pool users. “I believe that as soon as pools start to introduce technology to support lifeguards, the outcome will help to control the number of lifeguards, lives will be saved, and those suffering an ill health episode in a swimming pool will get swifter support.”

Omer Bar-Ilan, CEO and Co-founder of Lynxight shared his excitement about the partnership, stating, "We are proud to bring our service to the UK under this new and exciting collaboration with RLSS UK and GLL. Lynxight's mission is to offer affordable access to the most advanced AI safety platform for use in the water, and we look forward to working with UK's swimming pool lifeguards and operators."

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