AI-Powered Water Safety at The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre

YMCA South Australia continues to lead the way in aquatic safety innovation with the introduction of Lynxight, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered drowning detection and prevention system, now installed at The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre.

Over the coming weeks, the centre’s lifeguard team will complete training and system calibration before Lynxight officially goes live in November. Once operational, the technology will provide real-time monitoring, risk detection, and instant alerts — supporting YMCA lifeguards to respond up to six times faster to potential emergencies.

“At The Parks, safety is always our top priority,” said Craig Hortin, Head of Sport & Recreation at YMCA South Australia. “This new system provides our lifeguard team with an additional layer of support, enhancing supervision and response times. It’s an exciting step forward in keeping our community safe in and around the water.”

The Parks installation also marks a national first — making YMCA South Australia the first YMCA in Australia to deploy the Lynxight system. Developed by Australian company Early Detection Innovations (EDI), Lynxight combines computer vision and machine learning to monitor swimmer behaviour and detect signs of distress in real-time. The system operates continuously, without fatigue, and alerts lifeguards through smartwatch notifications if a potential risk is detected.

Importantly, Lynxight is privacy-conscious — it does not record or store identifiable images or personal data. The software focuses solely on movement data and uses de-identified information to support its monitoring and safety functions.

Beyond early drowning detection, Lynxight also offers valuable data insights for facility management, such as swimmer traffic patterns and potential risk zones, helping to inform operational improvements and safety planning.

Already adopted at more than 75 pools across Australia, Lynxight is recognised globally for its innovation, with partnerships involving the Royal Life Saving Society and major aquatic organisations in the UK and Ireland.

The Parks’ installation marks YMCA South Australia’s first deployment of the technology, aligning with its commitment to evidence-based innovation and leadership in community safety.

When live, Lynxight will operate quietly in the background — unseen but always watching — supporting YMCA lifeguards and ensuring that every visit to The Parks remains safe, enjoyable, and worry-free.