The future will arrive at Riverway this week, with Townsville City Council installing AI-powered drowning detection technology to bolster swimmers' safety at the much-loved facility.
Riverway's Upper Lagoon will be closed tomorrow for installation of the new Lynxight Drowning Prevention System.
The $230,000 system, which will use AI to monitor the Upper Lagoon via existing cameras and send real-time alerts to lifeguards, is due to go live on 01 July.
When signs of distress in the water are detected, the system will send alerts directly to lifeguards in real time via wrist-worn devices – enabling faster and more targeted responses.
Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said the Lynxight system would provide an additional layer of safety at Riverway's Upper Lagoon.
"AI is a developing technology that, when used in the right way, can support many important functions including community safety," Cr Dametto said.
"This Lynxight system has been rolled out successfully in dozens of pools and aquatic facilities across Australia, and it's a solid safety addition to support on-site lifeguards at Riverway.
"We know there may be some questions or concerns about the use of AI in public spaces, however Council has undertaken thorough privacy assessments to make sure this tool stacks up.
"The system will focus on location and behaviour of swimmers rather than capturing identifiable features."
Cr Dametto said personal responsibility was paramount in and around the water in North Queensland.
"We live in a tropical environment where swimming and water-based activities are a treasured part of our outdoor lifestyle," he said.
"Knowing how to swim, staying within your depth and ability, and ensuring all children are supervised by a responsible adult while in the water is critical.
"Water safety is everyone's responsibility and technology like this does not replace commonsense."
The Riverway Upper Lagoon will be closed Wednesday, 10 June, for installation of the system.
Lynxight is an AI-powered drowning prevention technology that strengthens safety by supporting lifeguards and improving protection for the community in and around the water.
It currently operates in more than 75 pools across Australia.
