Swimming paradise Jena: AI monitoring for maximum safety for bathers!

Swimming paradise Jena: AI monitoring for maximum safety for bathers!

What's going on in the Jena swimming paradise? From October 8, 2023, a smartwatch will be part of the standard equipment of swimming pool supervisory staff. This is intended to make bathers safer and better protected. The innovative system, known as “Lynxight”, uses artificial intelligence (AI) and is already being used with 12 cameras above the pools of the sports swimming pool. Stadtwerke Jena reports that these cameras register the movements and positions of the swimmers and display them as small points in the system.

The collected data is stored locally for 48 hours and some selected information is sent to the system provider. The special highlight: If a point stands still for too long or is under water, the system immediately triggers an alarm. Supervisory personnel can react immediately and get to the appropriate location at lightning speed.

A new benchmark for security

The swimming masters should be supported by this technology, but not replaced. Similar systems are already in use in other cities in Germany, such as Cologne, Wiesbaden and Karlsruhe. AI-supported systems such as “Lynxight” have not only proven to be a useful complement to human supervision, but also help to overcome blind spots and detect multiple swimmers at the same time. HNA added that if a bather is inactive for a long time or goes underwater, a warning message is displayed on the lifeguard's smartwatch.

More and more outdoor pools in Germany are targeting AI systems for pool supervision. A similar system to the one in Jena is in use in Lower Saxony and shows impressive improvements in safety. The need for such technologies is growing, especially due to the shortage of skilled workers in the industry. And don't forget: data protection is also a hot topic. Not only the providers but also the data protection officers emphasize that recorded video data is anonymized and storage is subject to strict rules.

The goal: security and support

The German Bathing Society (DGfdB) emphasizes that technical aids cannot replace human supervision, but rather support it significantly. The AI ​​systems like “Lynxight” increase safety and enable faster reactions to possible emergencies. Engineer reports that an AI-supported monitoring system will be installed in the Kassel Auebad from May 2025 that analyzes movement patterns and detects dangers at an early stage. AI systems have already saved lives by detecting motionless children underwater at an early stage and sounding the alarm.

The Jena swimming paradise could be the trendsetter for the future in Thuringia. If the system proves successful, the municipal utilities plan to introduce it in outdoor pools and the GalaxSea leisure pool. The combination of human supervision and modern technology seems to be the right way to ensure safety in the water. There's something for everyone who wants to refresh themselves in our bathrooms!