Pool Safety Camera - Computer-aided Drowning Detection

Computer-aided Drowning Detection

Computer-aided drowning detection systems, such as the Poseidon System and Drowning Early Warning System (DEWS) are the most technologically advanced category in aquatics video monitoring. These feed the video from the cameras into a computerized monitoring software package capable of tracking the activity of swimmers and alerting staff if swimmers exhibit known behaviors associated with drowning. These systems are mainly limited to static water pools, and are not yet operational in the chaotic environment of a wave pool, whirlpool, jacuzzi, or other motion-based novelty rides. Being video-based, neither system is capable of operating in dark-water environments such as lagoons, lake-fronts or beach fronts.

Active monitoring systems such as these are preferred by aquatics operators who want the benefits of the video monitoring and remote monitoring classes of systems coupled with the additional benefit of another "set of eyes" watching over swimmers. Drawbacks to this system include the virtual impossibility of calibrating such a system to recognize all possible activities of pool patrons. As a result, these systems tend to generate false alarms.