Bondi Beach is set to become the testing ground for ResQVision, a world-first AI-powered lifesaving system. The innovative technology, created by a trio of friends including surf lifesaver Alex Piatek, is poised to revolutionise how we monitor and respond to potential drownings.
ResQVision uses artificial intelligence to analyze real-time video feeds of the ocean, detecting rip currents, distressed swimmers, and large marine life. What sets this system apart is its ability to differentiate between swimmers who are safe and those in urgent need of assistance.
The AI’s sophisticated algorithms process multiple data points simultaneously, combining information about rip currents and ocean animals to make split-second decisions on potential dangers. When a swimmer in distress is identified, particularly if caught in a rip current, the system immediately alerts off-duty rescuers via text message, providing the swimmer’s exact location and a video of the situation.
Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most iconic and busiest beaches, will serve as the initial testing site for ResQvision this summer. Local surf lifesavers will play a crucial role in providing feedback on the system’s performance, helping to refine and improve the technology before a potential nationwide rollout.
According to Surf Life Saving Australia’s 2024 National Coastal Safety Report, coastal drownings have seen a concerning increase. More than half of the 150 coastal drownings in the year to June 2024 occurred at beaches, with rip currents responsible for one in three beach drowning deaths. Alarmingly, 70% of coastal drowning deaths happened more than a kilometre away from a surf lifesaving service.
Alex Piatek, co-creator of ResQVision, emphasised the potential impact of the technology: “There has never been a more opportune time to launch this lifesaving technology in Australia. In 2024, coastal drownings spiked by 22 percent, with after-hours incidents and rip currents being major contributors.”
The system’s ability to monitor beaches continuously, even when lifeguards are off-duty, could prove to be a game-changer in reducing after-hours incidents. It also has the potential to enhance safety at unmanned beaches, addressing a significant gap in current coastal safety measures.
If successful, ResQvision could not only transform beach safety practices across Australia but also have global implications for coastal communities worldwide.
With the trial set to begin, beachgoers at Bondi this summer may find comfort in knowing that along with the watchful eyes of human lifesavers, an AI guardian will be scanning the waves, ready to raise the alarm at the first sign of danger.
Published 14-October-2024