If you’ve been watching Wimbledon 2025, you might’ve noticed something missing: the impeccably dressed line judges. Yep, they’ve been replaced by AI-powered electronic line-calling systems. And while the tech promised “maximum accuracy,” what we got was… well, let’s just say not quite match point.
When AI Misses the Line (Literally)
During a high-stakes match between Sonay Kartal and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, a ball landed clearly out - by a foot, no less - but the AI system stayed silent. The umpire had to yell “Stop! Stop!” mid-rally, and the point was replayed.
The All England Club later admitted the system had been accidentally switched off on one side of the court. So much for precision.
Even former champ Pat Cash chimed in:
“Absolutely ridiculous… If everything goes down, what happens? The whole tournament stops?”
Ouch.
What This Has to Do with Poolview
Now, you might be wondering - what does tennis have to do with swimming pools?
Well, it’s a perfect example of why Poolview champions Blended Lifeguarding. We love technology. We build it, install it, and improve it constantly. But we also know that tech alone isn’t enough.
Imagine an automated monitoring and detection system that misses a swimmer in distress because the Wi-Fi dropped. Or an alert that doesn’t trigger because someone forgot to activate the server.
That’s why our systems are designed to support lifeguards / responders, not replace them. Cameras (above and below water), real-time monitors, and AI alerts all work together to give responders the full picture - but it’s the human who makes the call, jumps in, and saves the day.
Why the Blended Approach Works
Humans process context: A lifeguard / responder can spot a panicked swimmer, read body language, and act fast.
Tech provides clarity: Our monitors show what’s happening in real time - even through glare!
Together, they’re unstoppable: Alerts + visuals + trained lifeguard/responders = safer pools.
Final thoughts
Wimbledon’s AI hiccup reminds us that technology needs a human touch. Whether it’s calling a tennis ball out or spotting a swimmer in trouble, the best outcomes happen when people and tech work together.
At Poolview, we’re proud to give Lifeguard / Responders the tools to make the right call, every time.
