ALT Guidance Update

It was encouraging to see around 300 leisure professionals on line last week for the Assisted Lifeguard Technology Guidance Webinar presented by the RLSS UK

The industry guidance from CIMSPA, RLSS UK, Swim England, and UK Active was first published in January 2023 and had undergone a review, which considered the technological advances and the experience of those currently using technology in their swimming pools.

I thought it would be prudent to first congratulate members of the Guidance Working Group for their excellent work and I must say I felt a certain sense of pride of how much progress has been made since I managed to pull everyone together in November 2018 to kickstart the need for this guidance.

So here we are over five years later with guidance that actually keeps pace with the times!

Now is a good time for me to remind operators about the attributes and the uniqueness of our Poolview Plus Submersion Detection System

Poolview is the only system on the market that truly works alongside the Lifeguard in the symbiotic relationship of “Blended Lifeguarding”.

We have a pro-active rather than a reactive system, where we take the Lifeguard through a series of alerts which highlights to them swimmers who may be about to be in danger.

Lifeguards are given Additional Essential Vision, whereby ONE Lifeguard can have eyes on 100% of the pool water volume.

Lifeguards include the monitor view as part of their natural 20 scan.

Lifeguards react to developing situations via two “ look at me” alerts, which they can acknowledge or react to.

Lifeguards can see what is happening BEFORE a casualty reaches the bottom and becomes motionless!

Lifeguards are alerted of a possible incident when a body has been submerged below a certain depth for 10 seconds.

Lifeguards can recover a casualty 20 seconds sooner than many other Assisted Lifeguard Technologies.

In addition:

Poolview Ltd offer a turnkey solution - we take care of everything from start to finish

Poolview Ltd offers a rental option of £820 per month which covers ALL costs for hardware and software maintenance.

Poolview Plus does not store any data in the cloud or in another country - all data is retained and controlled by you on site

Poolview Plus does NOT use or rely on WiFi

Poolview Ltd has a UK team of support engineers dedicated to your sites maintenance.

Poolview Ltd are launching an above water only camera detection system at this years Elevate exhibition

Please do contact me (Robin) directly on +44 7768746789 if you have any questions or queries

This is a Pool View we Love!

Delighted that this view now accounts for almost 50% of our business. Niches installed in the pool walls for a future Poolview Automated Monitoring and Detection system.

Going back to when we started our business just over 10 years ago, it was a couple of years before we were asked to install in a new-build project.

Thankfully this is becoming more and more the “norm” as Pool Operators understand and appreciate the benefits of a Blended Lifeguarding approach.

Currently we have over 15 new build projects in the pipeline which is very encouraging.

We will update you as they all progress

Why drowning detection infrastructure must be included in ALL new pools

In the last 4 months alone, we have been brought late onto SIX projects, where the building contractors have charged the local authorities a combined additional expense in excess of £200,000 - just to install 56 x £50 Camera niches so we can proceed!

None of this unnecessary expense goes to Poolview - it is all just for site works!

Are you in the process of planning to build a new swimming pool and/or leisure centre?
...pondering whether or not to have a 4 a 6 or even an 8 court main hall?
...how many square metres in gym?
...what about a soft play area?
...how many covers do we need for the café?
..25metre pool or 50metre?
...moving floor or not? etc. etc. etc.

All of these questions I would suggest will be considered and answers may well be dictated by budget.

BUT (and it is a big but), have you considered including provision for Drowning Detection Technology (DDT) to support your lifeguards?

Over the last 10 years when I did manage to speak directly with architects and project managers responsible for overseeing new builds, the stock answer has been "we considered drowning detection technology, but rejected it”.  Just like that! End of conversation, no further debate!

Now, if I told you that in the last 6 months - SIX projects that we have been brought late into, the building contractor has charged the local council or operator a combined additional cost in excess of £200,000 to include 56 Camera niches which cost just £50 each!!

None of this unnecessary expense goes to Poolview - it is all just for site works!

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The harsh reality about building a new swimming pool and leisure centre is that it's a minefield, it's like putting together a “perfect meal” that everyone will enjoy, pleasing some of the people all of the time, it's a difficult job I know, I have built and managed a few in my time!

You might not believe this, I didn’t write this article to sell or promote any Poolview products, but rather to address part of the Drowning Detection Technology dilemma.

Drowning Detection Technology, is not going away. It will become part of a swimming pools DNA as readily as a seat belt did in a car!

Detection Systems have become part of the facilities Building Management System. They not only help to increase swimmer safety but further provide the ability to operate swimming pools with a “Blended Lifeguarding” methodology and increase efficiencies hugely - often with substantial long term savings on running costs!

Whether or not you believe in DDT “today” - what about next year or in three years time?

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Plan your DDT containment BEFORE it gets to this stage!

It makes good business sense to at the very least make provision for the future? It really is such a minuscule part of a new build project to include “containment within the pool” for another day.

So, if you are involved in a new build project, please, please, please, contact us for a set of free no obligation camera position drawings - it might just save someone, somewhere, sometime in the future, one less big headache and unwanted expense!

Thanks to a few individuals with vision, we have 'popped' a few cameras in to a 2012 build without any fuss or threat on the pool tank warranty! Now that makes sense!

Robin McGloughlin

Best easy access steps for Lifeguards and Poolview

It was great to go to site this week and finally see this particular design of easy access steps for the main pool tank. This particular site was the latest Places Leisure new build

One of the problems we (and Lifeguards) have had to overcome in recent times is with the design of easy access steps.

Many have had an “underwater wall” as shown in this example which creates blind spots for the Lifeguards.

Steps are also traditionally positioned on the opposite side of the pool to where the steps are designed in and the “blind spot” can be problematic to manage.

Delighted to see this positive “step” forward in swimming pool design

Another Poolview installation commissioned and handed over - Blended Lifeguarding at its best!

Understanding Drowning Detection Systems and their benefits

We frequently get asked to explain what the various types of drowning detection systems are and how they work.

So, to try and help answer – described below are some of the main systems available in the market and their key features. Drowning Detection Systems (DDS) are also referred to as ‘technology driven systems or devices available to help protect swimmers’.

There are 4 general types:

Underwater CCTV Cameras

Providing additional essential vision to lifeguards through underwater viewing such as Poolview™

These systems are a passive aid which require the Lifeguard to interact with in a pro-active way as part of their 10:20 scan. This system does not include “automatic drowning detection" software.

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Poolview™ - Safer Swimming System

Computer INTELLIGENT System for the detection of drowning accidents

This system tracks swimmer activity and can trigger a sequence and a variety of alarm levels depending on its configuration. Manufacturers include Poolview™, SwimEye™, AngelEye and Poseidon

These software driven detection systems all use “computer intelligence” at the core of their capability.

Poolview Plus™ operates in a different way from the other systems as it is an interactive system, designed for the Lifeguards and First Responders and combines architecture, software, algorithms and methods for triggering an alert before activating a full alarm and in many peoples opinion is the most accurate, robust and dependable system available today.

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Poolview Plus™

Wristbands with software aided monitoring and automatic alarms

These detect when wristbands worn by swimmers remain below a certain depth over a pre-determined time e.g. SenTag, BlueFox

Swimmers are monitored via the wristbands which contain sensor and worn at all times in the swimming facility. Sensitive receivers in the pool raises an alarm if a potential drowning is taking place.

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SenTag

Personal Independent Wristband Protection

These are independent and stand alone wearable technology devices – worn by individuals, BlueFox ST1 recognises the depth you are swimming in and measures the time you spending below a certain depth.

Once you exceed the preset duration it will release a balloon with a loud siren to the water surface. This noisy alarm will attract the attention of all people within the vicinity. 

No installation of any sort is required e.g. BlueFox ST1

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BlueFox ST1

Technology is moving fast..............

Technology and installation issues have moved forward greatly since the publication of a “Drowning Detection System Briefing Note” by Sport England in 2011  The Leisure Industry is fast accepting that technology not only plays a key role in enhancing swimmer safety, but also supporting flexibility and efficiencies with staffing rotations, swimming pool timetables and systems of work. 

By embracing technology, there are opportunities to both increase swimmer safety and manage your lifeguarding resource more efficiently and effectively. This will be recognised and reconciled within each pools bespoke Risk Assessment.

Operators are generally much more open to incorporating technology within their Standard Operating Procedures and fully understand the benefits. Gone are the physical constraints which once proved to be an obstacle, such as moving floors and bulk heads etc.

Robin McGloughlin, Business Development Director at Poolview explains “we have the ability to install Drowning Detection Systems into ANY pool, no matter what shape, finish or size without the need to drain the pool or interfere with normal day to day swimming programmes.  Currently around 75% of our installations would be retro-fit i.e. after the pool is filled and open.  Rest assured, we will offer and provide the perfect solution for your individual pool, programme, staffing ethos and environment.”

It is preferable to incorporate some infrastructure into the basic building design at an early stage rather than later when costs can very quickly escalate when “variation orders” are made.

Poolview Limited, are recognised as “industry experts” within this field and are in the position to supply the complete range of solutions for any pool, working closely with your management team to ensure seamless integration and support.

For more information visit http://www.poolview.co.uk/ or call +44 (0)77 6874 6789.

Poolview - helping to resolve a "glaring" issue!

We had a site visit today having a look to see how we can help resolve a troublesome issue with "glare".

Not an uncommon problem in swimming pools - but one that this Leisure Operator is prepared to address by using our Poolview Safer Swimming System.

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Poolview - provides "Additional Essential Vision" to Lifeguards

Poolview - Commercial & Specialised Diving Ltd

We started on site tonight the 3rd Poolview installation of the month, alongside our diving partners "Commercial & Specialised Diving Ltd" who are "core drilling" the pool tank - allowing us to install our flush fit camera housings within the two pools with moving floors.

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Preparing for Poolview core drilling of the tank.

All our work is carried out when the facility is closed, no disruption to your activity programme, no need to drain your pool !

Poolview Safer Swimming Systems - providing "Additional Essential Vision" to Lifeguards

• Increasing Safety
• Improving efficiency
• Reducing overheads

"Challenging Preconceived Ideas" 

New Build Projects

Always better to get us involved at a very early stage in a new-build programme - in that way we can cast the camera niches into the pool tank walls during this critical phase. Makes for a perfect finish and moving floors just slide on past!

Poolview Safer Swimming Systems - providing "Additional Essential Vision to Lifeguards"

Early New Build Site Meeting for Poolview Ltd

We were on site today at one of the NINE new build projects on which we are currently specified to install our Poolview Safer Swimmer System.

Early days yet on this one, but great to see the steel work up. Next time we are back, the building will be wind and weather proofed and the pool will be tiled ready for our cameras.

We cannot emphasise enough how important it is to get us involved "BEFORE" the tank is cast!

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Poolview - providing "Additional Essential Vision" to Lifeguards

Poolview - New Build Projects

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The more new-build projects on the way.

It's been a busy and enjoyable couple of weeks, meeting new people whilst conducting site surveys. Great to report that we have been appointed to install Poolview in three more new build projects and have secured another retro-fit project - all good - Poolview is continuing to provide "additional essential vision" for lifeguards

The earlier we are involved in a project - even before specifications are finalised - the more cost effective our solution

North East New-Build & Poolview

On site up in the North East checking cable routes etc. from the camera niches cast into the concrete within the pool tank. All progressing well and looking good. Poolview Safer Swimming System providing "Additional Essential Vision" to Lifeguards

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Poolview Installation in Hydrotherapy Pool

On site this week checking on building progress at Derby County Football Club. Our Poolview System on this occassion will be used to monitor players movements and progress as they rehabilitate.

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Poolview Installation During Refurbishment

Still a couple of months to go before this pool gets to see water again! It does not stop us getting on site to finalise the specification and agree the new lifeguard positions to be enhanced with a new Poolview Safer Swimming System.

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RLSS - Practical Pool Design

Good to see the RLSS encouraging dialogue between operators, designers and architects. In our experience this is absolutely key to delivering not only safer swimming pools, but a facility that can be managed effectively on a more cost efficient basis.

Water Clarity

Without good clarity our cameras are blind to see - look at these views down and across our last install in a 25m pool - incredible and a credit to the "plant team".

It is a fine art (some say dark) understanding how to maintain your water quality, but throw in the need for crystal clarity and you really need to know how your plant ticks, lives and breaths!

Most folk who swim do not realize the expertise, cost, time and effort required to maintain a perfect pool.

It takes a combined effort to provide "Additional Essential Vision" for Lifeguards

Moving Floor - No Problem!

Tonight we are on site core drilling a swimming pool with a moving floor and boom. No need to close or drain your pool - we work at night when your facility is closed and insert our Poolview Cameras into the recesses when drilling is complete. This allows moving floors and booms to pass freely past our cameras without obstruction. Poolview - providing "Additional Essential Vision" to even more lifeguards nationwide!