A world-first AI program, ResQvision, was developed to aid patrols at Australian beaches this summer.
The AI technology distinguishes between waders, swimmers who are OK, and swimmers who are in distress.
Surf lifesaver Alex Piatek and his friends Bryan Pakulski and Julian Kovacek came up with the idea after witnessing a man almost drown.
“As a volunteer lifesaver myself, my passion for preventing these tragedies led to the invention of ResQvision,” Piatek said.
“Ready for a summer rollout, this technology has the potential to significantly improve beach safety not just in Australia, but globally.”