Yeronga Park Memorial Swimming Pool is set to trial new artificial intelligence cameras within months, with the technology designed to alert lifeguards when swimmers show signs of struggling or distress.
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The Lynxight system will be installed at Yeronga Park Memorial Swimming Pool and Runcorn Aquatic Centre as part of a 12-month trial. It will use AI to monitor swimmers and alert lifeguards when it detects a potential problem. The technology is intended to give lifeguards another way to identify swimmers who may need help at Brisbane’s public pools.
Cr Adrian Schrinner has described the system as an additional set of eyes for lifeguards, while stressing that it is intended to support their work rather than replace them.
Technology Designed To Support Lifeguards
Lynxight uses artificial intelligence to monitor swimmers and detect signs that someone may be in distress. When a potential problem is detected, an alert can be sent to a lifeguard so the situation can be assessed.
The technology is already being used at other Australian aquatic facilities. Royal Life Saving Australia has partnered with Lynxight as the system is rolled out nationally.
Royal Life Saving Australia said the technology can help lifeguards monitor swimmers and address gaps in supervision, while acknowledging that AI cannot physically rescue someone from the water. The organisation has also said the cameras do not identify swimmers or collect personal data, describing the system as an additional layer of safety.
The technology is intended to work alongside trained lifeguards. If an alert is triggered, a lifeguard can assess the situation and respond if needed.
Debate Over Lifeguard Staffing
The planned trial has also prompted discussion about how technology should be used alongside pool staff.
Cr Jared Cassidy has argued that AI should help lifeguards do their jobs rather than be used as a reason to reduce staffing or add other duties. He has also called for lifeguard staffing to match demand at Brisbane’s public pools, noting that a camera cannot physically rescue someone from danger.
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The trial will give Brisbane an opportunity to assess how the system works alongside lifeguards and whether it can provide an additional layer of safety for swimmers.
For people using Yeronga Park Memorial Pool, the technology will form part of the facility’s existing safety arrangements rather than replace the human supervision provided by lifeguards.
Published 14-August-2026
