Conventional pool safety measures, including covers, perimeter fences, and subsurface alarms, can prevent unauthorized access when a pool is closed. However, these measures do not protect against drowning when a pool is in use. Lifeguards, swimming lessons, and parental supervision have traditionally served as the primary safety measures during swim time, but tragically, even these are not always sufficient.
According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), 88% of child drownings occur with at least one adult present. This statistic highlights a significant gap in protection when a pool is open, especially in crowded pool environments. Even the most experienced lifeguards can experience fatigue and have a limited field of view. This is where Drowning Detection Systems come in. These systems monitor pools via underwater cameras and are available in both passive and active versions.
Passive systems feed continuous images to lifeguards on duty, allowing for easier and quicker identification of potential incidents below the surface. Active systems use Computer Vision to feed images into an AI model. These systems can recognize potential drowning victims, such as when a pool user has been submerged for an extended period, and automatically alert lifeguards if intervention is necessary.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has created the first-ever standard for active systems: ASTM F3698-24 – Standard Specification for Computer-vision Drowning Detection Systems for Residential Swimming Pools. This standard sets minimum performance thresholds and requires indicators for low-visibility situations, ensuring systems alert lifeguards within 30 seconds of detecting drowning behavior.
“This is an interesting use of Artificial Intelligence for added safety,” said Criterium Senior Engineer, Ralph Manglass, P.E. “While very useful, drowning detection systems are not a substitute for access control measures such as fencing, gates, etc., and for trained monitoring personnel such as lifeguards.” Widespread adoption has yet to develop, mostly due to cost and awareness, but with F3698 established, the hope is that more manufacturers will create these systems, leading to more installations, fewer drownings, and more lives saved.
Annual site inspections are a part of a regular maintenance plan for any Homeowners Association Community and can ensure the safety and structural integrity of your pool and its protective devices. To learn more about the services Criterium Engineers can provide your community, click the button below.