The pool recently underwent an upgrade, and the most noticeable change was not the new tiles or brighter lighting, but an invisible “safety net.” After the renovation, multiple high-definition cameras were installed above and around the pool, working with AI algorithms to track every swimmer's movements in real time. If an anomaly is detected—such as staying underwater for too long or deviating significantly from normal movement patterns—the system sounds an alarm within seconds and simultaneously pushes a notification to the wristwatch worn by lifeguards.
This system is not meant to replace lifeguards. On the contrary, it aims to address the problem of human eye fatigue. With a large pool area, light refraction, water splash interference, and many swimmers, even the most attentive lifeguard cannot guarantee coverage of every corner at every second. AI acts as an extra pair of tireless eyes, watching the water 24 hours a day, but it can only “detect problems,” not “solve them.” It is still the experienced lifeguards who dive in to rescue and assess the situation on the spot.
In actual operations, once the AI raises an alarm, lifeguards immediately act according to the response plan: one confirms the footage and observes the location, while another heads to the incident area with rescue equipment. The entire process is faster than before, because it eliminates the time spent on “spotting the anomaly—manually identifying it—confirming the judgment.” At the same time, the system records the alarm time, location, and handling process, making it easier to review afterward and optimize procedures.
The renovated pool has not become “cold and high-tech.” Instead, it gives lifeguards more confidence. One lifeguard said that previously they were highly tense during shifts, but now with the auxiliary alerts, the pressure has eased a bit, though the sense of responsibility remains unchanged. The sports center also stated that technology is just a tool; the core still lies in human professionalism and quick response. Ultimately, this upgrade is about ensuring that every person who comes to swim can feel at ease.