Technique in the swimming pool - The use of AI at the pelvic edge has proven itself
Swimming pools may soon more frequently use Artificial Intelligence (AI) as support for lifeguards. Necdet Mantar from the Association of Public Baths Baden-Württemberg justified this prediction with the shortage of personnel, although the technology does not replace people. However, it ensures that emergencies or potential drowning cases are reported faster to the professionals at the poolside, allowing them to react more quickly.
"We are planning to include topics with AI-based technology for supervision as written exams in the master's examination, to reduce the reluctance and prejudice in dealing with such systems," Mantar added. He is responsible for the baths in Reutlingen as the head of the department.
AI-based monitoring is already in use in Freudenstadt and Karlsruhe, according to his statements. Other bath operators, such as in Pforzheim, are planning to do so.
Positive response to pilot project
The Freudenstadt Panorama-Bad started as a pioneer in the southwest about a year ago: Cameras are supposed to keep an eye on the activities at the pools and, for example, register the number of people. They alert the employees, among other things, to overcrowding or an immobile person in the water. This happens via signals on a smartwatch - an intelligent wristwatch.
The system now works relatively reliably, said the managing director Ursula Stiefken. It has learned typical movements of bathers. "There are now significantly fewer false alarms." At the beginning, for example, there was also a warning when someone with crossed arms lay near the pool edge. However, there has not yet been an incident where lives had to be saved with the help of AI support.
The response among the employees is positive, said Stiefken. The technology means a certain security for the staff, especially when the bath is full. "But it doesn't replace a lifeguard," the baths manager also emphasized. "The system can't jump into the water and pull someone out." It doesn't save any personnel.
Questions of security and data protection
The German Society for Bathing (DGfdB) also made it clear that technical aids cannot replace lifeguards. However, they can be a factor in the question of how much personnel is needed. Other aspects are the number of bathers, the type and size of the bath, the number, size, and location of the pools, and their visibility, for example, in the outdoor area, as well as other offers such as water attractions.
There have been so-called drowning detection systems for years. New with the AI-supported technology is the possibility of identifying certain movement patterns as a risk before the actual emergency. Data protection also plays a role in the use of the technology, for example, that it does not store images and does not establish connections to people, for example, via personal data of an annual card or a membership card.
Parents distracted by smartphones
Vigilant eyes at the water's edge can also be private companions - for example, parents who are looking after their children. In Hamburg, a spokesman recently explained that some parents behaved negligently with their children when they were distracted by their phones. Lifeguards have to intervene and rescue children preventively up to ten times a week because they have unnoticed slipped into deeper water. The staff now distributes flyers specifically to the parents. Those who still do not comply, "are then thrown out".
Manager of the Baden-Württemberg baths hasn't heard of such cases yet. "This is a very difficult topic." He considers it entirely legitimate to alert parents to parental supervision of minors and potential dangers. Issuing a house ban or even a mobile phone ban would be legally difficult. "We even offer free Wi-Fi in many baths, some people use it to work, read emails or communicate with friends, family and colleagues."
In his opinion, the staff would be completely overwhelmed trying to distinguish in such cases. Then, specifically addressing the affected parents would lead to countless and lengthy discussions. Consequently, the bathing supervision would be impaired in its work - and thus the safety of other bathers could also be endangered, Mantar pointed out.
Video goes viral
The Panorama Bath in Freudenstadt relies on enlightenment in social media: In a series of short videos on Instagram, the in-house dolphin mascot Flip informs about proper behavior in the swimming pool. A clip published in mid-May reportedly reached over six million clicks and over 31,000 likes. The series was developed by Emily Bosch, an apprentice at Freudenstadt Tourism.
"With the implementation of AI-based monitoring systems in baths, it becomes crucial for parents to remain vigilant and aware of their children's activities around the pool, as the technology serves as an additional safety measure and not a replacement for human supervision."
"The inclusion of AI technology in lifeguard training programs for children could potentially encourage them to develop an understanding and appreciation for how these systems can support human lifeguards, fostering a sense of collaboration between technology and human safeguards."
