AI-Powered Water Safety at The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre

YMCA South Australia is enhancing water safety at The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre with the installation of Lynxight, a new water safety system designed to assist lifeguards in detecting potential risks faster and responding even more effectively.

The initiative has been delivered in partnership with the South Australian Government’s Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, reflecting a shared commitment to safer, more innovative community facilities.

Now in its testing and staff training phase, the system will go live in November. Once operational, it will provide real-time monitoring and instant alerts — giving lifeguards an extra layer of support during those critical moments when every second counts.

“At The Parks, safety is always our top priority,” said Craig Hortin, Head of Sport & Recreation at YMCA South Australia. “This new system provides our lifeguard team with an additional layer of support, enhancing supervision and response times. It’s an exciting step forward in keeping our community safe in and around the water.”

The Parks installation also marks a national first, making YMCA South Australia the first YMCA in Australia to deploy the Lynxight system.

Lynxight uses smart video analysis to continuously monitor swimmer movement and identify signs that may indicate a potential risk. The system operates quietly in the background and respects patron privacy with no identifiable images are recorded or stored, with all data de-identified and used solely for safety purposes.

Beyond its immediate safety benefits, the system provides valuable insights to help YMCA South Australia improve pool operations and identify potential risk areas, supporting the organisation’s ongoing focus on prevention, innovation, and community wellbeing.

Already in use at recreation centres across Australia and internationally recognised for its contribution to safer aquatic environments, Lynxight represents the next step in combining human expertise with technology to enhance community safety.

By equipping lifeguards with smarter tools and working in partnership with the South Australian Government, YMCA South Australia and The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre continue to lead the way in aquatic safety, ensuring every visit is safe, enjoyable, and worry-free.