New Global standard released for public swimming pool drowning detection systems

The Geneva, Switzerland-based International Organization for Standardization (ISO), has published a Standard for technology used in public pools to detect drownings.

ISO 20380:2017, Public swimming pools - Computer vision systems for the detection of drowning accidents in swimming pools - Safety requirements and test methods has been described as a useful tool for governments and commercial businesses involved in drowning detection system project and can be used as a reference for any new tender specifications.

It describes the minimum operational, performance and safety requirements and test methods for computer vision systems used to detect drowning accidents in public and commercial pools.

Maytronics Australia, makers of the Poseidon Drowning Detection System, has welcomed the release of the new global standard.

Managing Director Dan Kwaczynski advised “the importance of this technology cannot be understated.

“Considering what this technology is required to do - which is detect a drowning person within seconds – it is imperative that the technology available to the global market actually does the job.

“Maytronics has invested $30 million and 20 years of research and development in this type of technology and our system, Poseidon, which is installed in over 250 public pools worldwide and has saved more than 30 lives already.

“I’m happy to say that Poseidon well and truly meets the global standard.

“Unfortunately, we have seen other products used overseas which have not performed, with government authorities having to replace the entire system at considerable expense.

“There are thousands and thousands of lines of intricate computer coding and algorithms behind the Poseidon system which enables it to detect someone drowning and activate the alarm in time for a lifeguard to make the rescue.

“It is crucial that lifeguards at public pools can rely on the accuracy of the system they are using. What you don’t want are frequent false alarms, which often lead to lifeguards disabling the system out of frustration.”

The Standard does not apply to the systems used in domestic swimming pools and pool basins with a surface area of less than 150 metre².

The ISO 20380 defines performance commitment (performance of detection) and a formal test procedure.

Click here for more information on ISO 20380:2017 Public swimming pools - Computer vision systems for the detection of drowning accidents in swimming pools - Safety requirements and test methods.

Click here to contact Maytronics, Poseidon's Australasian distributor, via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory. 

Image: The Poseidon system in action.

12th September 2017 - SMALL INCREASE IN AUSTRALIA’S ANNUAL DROWNING NUMBERS

21st April 2017 - ROYAL LIFE SAVING LAUNCHES NATIONAL AQUATIC INDUSTRY SAFETY AWARDS

7th September 2016 - CHANNEL 9 BRISBANE NEWS REPORTS ON BENEFITS OF THE POSEIDON ANTI-DROWNING DETECTION SYSTEM

3rd June 2016 - AQUA LEARN TO SWIM ENCOURAGES YEAR-ROUND WATER SAFETY

4th November 2015 - BLACKTOWN CITY COUNCIL TO SHOWCASE ITS POOL SAFETY RECORD

29th October 2015 - PILOT SWIMMING PROGRAM A FIRST STEP TO MANDATORY PRIMARY SCHOOL SWIMMING LESSONS IN VICTORIA? 

9th June 2015 - US SWIMMING POOL INCIDENT HIGHLIGHTS HOW PEOPLE DROWN QUIETLY

24th April 2013 - ANTI-DROWNING DETECTION SYSTEM ASSISTS WITH FIRST AUSTRALIAN LIFE SAVING