Apps and Startups For Lifeguards

As summer approaches, pools and beaches all over the world will start filling up with families wanting to enjoy the weather.

But as these spaces fill up, the pressure on lifeguards to keep people safe grows.

And water safety is a huge problem. In the UK alone, there are 2 drowning deaths per week, with inland waters being the leading locations for accidental drownings. 46% of these instances take place in the summer months of June, July and August according to the Royal Life Saving Society.

How Is Tech Helping Lifeguards Save Lives?

Traditionally, lifeguards would have to keep an eye on huge areas, sometimes with only binoculars and a whistle to help them get the attention of swimmers.

But now, tech and startups are stepping in to help, in ways such as:

AI drowning detection: Helping to more quickly see and respond to signs of drowning to get people help faster.

Training tools: Helping to simulate real-life situations so lifeguards can understand what works before tackling real emergencies.

Wearables: These devices alert lifeguards if someone has been under water too long, allowing them to find people even if they are not immediately visible.

So who are the companies pioneering these technologies? Let’s take a look…

Sightbit

Sightbit is an Israeli startup that uses AI to monitor beaches in real-time. The technology processes images from cameras along the shore to detect risks, hazards, and crowding, allowing it to quickly alert lifeguards and help them ensure the safety of everyone in the water.

Able to integrate with existing cameras, the software helps to create safer water environments powered by AI.

MYLO

MYLO has created an AI virtual lifeguard for residential pools, designed to detect drowning early on.

The device tracks movement under the water and is designed to signal an alert if there are any signs of drowning. As residential pools don’t usually have lifeguards, but can be very dangerous, this device helps provide parents with peace of mind.

SwimSafe

Swimsafe has developed a personal flotation device that is designed to be small and out of the way, but there if needed.

Designed as an alternative to a life jacket, the SwimSafe allows users to pull a tube that inflates the device in seconds. This isn’t just good for swimmers, it’s also useful for lifeguards, keeping them safe when swimming out to sea.

Lynxight

Lynxight is an AI system that is able to respond to instances of drowning up to 6x faster than humans.

The software analyses movements both above and below the water, delivering insights and alerts directly to the lifeguard’s smartwatch. Not only does it help lifeguards manage large areas more accurately, it integrates easily into systems, helping to make swimming safer.

DigiQuatics

For lifeguards, pool owners and managers that are in charge of large pools, DigiQuatics is the ultimate admin tool.

The software helps lifeguards and managers coordinate schedules, track shift work and keep up with maintenance. Instead of relying of a mix of clipboards and spreadsheets, lifeguards can manage everything in one place, helping them spend less time on admin and more time saving lives.

SwimEye

SwimEye is an intelligent detection system for pools, using AI to identify swimmers in distress and raise an alarm within seconds.

Described as having an ‘extra lifeguard’ under the water, the software is able to accurately track underwater movements, so lifeguards have an extra pair of eyes below the surface.

Dr. Tom’s Lifeguard Vision

A huge part of being a lifeguard is keeping up with training. Dr. Tom’s Lifeguard Vision is an app that stimulates real drowning scenarios, designed to help lifeguards practice drowning detection.

That way, supervisors are able to have better awareness of what to look out for whilst watching crowds in the water – helping them react faster.