The first AI algorithm in the world was created by three friends, one of whom is a surf lifesaver, to identify swimmers having trouble with rips in unpatrolled beaches.
The idea of developing a new and essential AI tool ResQvision that uses AI to track the ocean activity, was conceptualized by a surf lifeguard Alex Piatek and his colleagues Julian Kovacek and Bryan Pakulski.
It searches for swimmers, waves, and tides. If it identifies a swimmer in distress, it sends out alerts to first responders. During the summer of 2024–2025, the technology will be tested at Bondi Beach in Sydney, where surf lifesavers will offer input to assist improve the system.
“This artificial intelligence platform utilises cameras already installed by the government and surf clubs,” Pakulski stated to SBS Polish. According to the National Drowning Report 2024 published by Royal Life Saving Australia, the 10-year average of 278 drowning deaths was surpassed between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, by 16% to 323 drowning deaths.
Of that total, 25% were foreign-born, with India, China, Nepal, and the UK having the highest rates. Nearly half of these births occurred along the coast, including 84 on beaches.
According to Life Saving Victoria’s Drowning Report, the number of drowning deaths that ever took place was documented at the highest level in 2023–24, where 21 came from culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
Doctor Hannah Calverley of Life Saving Victoria told SBS News that waterways can provide a number of hidden risks. Risky behavior carried out away from the vigilant eyes of lifesaver-patrolled locations is the common threat, she said.
“And so what this means is it’s not necessarily a dangerous beach or it might be a bay or a calmer looking beach but it’s more of the activities people are doing in those areas and their ability to be able to deal with the water conditions that they’re facing.” According to Pakulski, drownings at beaches without lifeguards are a serious problem in Australia.
According to statistics, lifeguard-monitored locations are extremely safe, with almost no drownings taking place while they are on duty.
