Enhanced Assistance at the Pelvic Region's Periphery

In several cities across Germany, a Software-as-a-Service system named SharKI is making waves in the bathing industry, aiming to address the shortage of skilled workers and enhance swimmer safety.

The city of Plettenberg was the first to introduce SharKI in its AquaMagis leisure pool on November 1, 2023. Six ceiling cameras monitor swimmers, using AI to detect potential emergencies and alert lifeguards immediately. Bremen followed suit, testing a pilot AI system in the Westbad pool in Walle to recognize drowning victims early and improve swimmer safety.

The system, currently operational indoors, analyses movement patterns in the pool, focusing on knee and elbow joints and comparing them with typical swimming movements. If a swimmer exhibits unusual behaviour or is in distress, the images from the system are viewed by lifeguards on their smartwatches, which vibrate and emit a loud beep to alert them.

The AI system has three levels of alarm: blue for swimmers in the pool, yellow for unusual behaviour, and red for serious danger or immobility. Feedback is provided to the system after each alarm to help it learn and improve its accuracy.

The total investment for the system is a low six-figure amount, making it an affordable solution for many pools. SharKI is designed to be a supplement, not a replacement, for lifeguards. Six watches are currently in use, along with the cameras and the AI system SharKI.

The SILVANA Sport and Leisure Pool in Schweinfurt was the first outdoor pool to implement SharKI since April 2023. A small pool and an existing mast as a camera location were used for the pilot project. The next step is to roll out the assistance system to large outdoor pools, requiring masts for the cameras to be installed.

The system's positive feedback after the fourth week of introduction indicates it could be a step forward in terms of pool security, potentially leading to certification by politics. The system is working closely with the Bavarian State Data Protection Authority to ensure bathers' privacy with anonymized camera recordings. An introduction week and further actions are being taken to show bathers how data is processed, demonstrating that individuals in the pools are not recognizable.

The AI system is expected to allow for safer pool operations with less personnel, potentially leading to a more efficient and secure bathing experience for all. As the system continues to evolve and expand, it promises to revolutionize pool safety in Germany and beyond.