Abbeycroft ushers in a new era of AI-driven pool safety and efficiency
Front row L to R: Lifeguard Taryn Dale-Wells, Abbeycroft’s Lynxight champion Julie Hughes and Mildenhall Manager Dan Ward.
Back row L to R: Lifeguard Connor Williams, Cllr Andy Neal and Cllr Victor Lukaniak of West Suffolk Council.
The social enterprise is one of the first small trusts in the UK to adopt technology
Abbeycroft considering expanding to other centres following a successful trial
It has made us safer and brought a new level of engagement to our lifeguards
Abbeycroft has installed cutting-edge assisted lifeguard technology at the Mildenhall Hub to enhance lifeguard operations. This technology provides an extra layer of protection for swimmers at the popular site while improving operational efficiencies.
Demonstrating its commitment to a safety-first culture, the not-for-profit social enterprise worked with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) throughout the process to ensure a smooth transition to the new technology and that lifeguards and facility staff are confident and fully trained in using the advanced safety features.
RLSS UK is collaborating with Lynxight in the UK and Ireland to support pool operators in adopting affordable technology that complements existing lifeguard provisions without adding significant costs.
Going live at Mildenhall Hub’s main six-lane, 25m pool in September, the system’s benefits are already being felt, says Julie Hughes, who oversaw the installation as Abbeycroft’s Lynxight champion.
“It gives an additional layer of safety for our swimmers. It’s like having a secondary lifeguard on hand. Our lifeguards are our primary response team, but this system backs them up.”
Real-time AI alerts
The system uses standard overhead cameras and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to monitor and analyse swimmer behaviour, identifying potential risks or overcrowding that might lead to serious incidents. When on shift, each member of the 20-strong lifeguard team wears a waterproof smartwatch, which provides real-time, colour-coded alerts when the system identifies an incident. An orange alert indicates overcrowding, a yellow suggests the system has detected the behaviour of a pool user who might be in distress, and a red alert flags a potentially serious incident. Visuals pinpoint the location of the incident so lifeguards can respond immediately. The system also provides anyone wearing a watch with a live head count of pool users and negates the need for a manual count and record.
“The lifeguard team were excited about the technology from the start. The training was fun, and they enjoyed the practice drops with manikins to simulate real-life scenarios. We reassured the team that the technology was here to support them. They’ve embraced it, knowing they are still our main line of safety provision,” says Julie.
“Our lifeguards look forward to coming in and wearing the watches. It’s made them more alert; they want to spot an incident before the system does.”
The response from customers has also been positive.
“People have asked about the new cameras, and we’ve explained that the technology isn’t about surveillance but keeping them safe. They are glad to see that we’re investing in their safety.”
Data-driven pool management
Beyond safety, Lynxight gives the centre’s management team invaluable operational insights. Using data from the system, managers can observe trends in pool usage, identify peak times and track occupancy levels across different sections of the pool to understand how it is utilised throughout the day.
“Before installing the system, we knew how many people were using the pool based on gate scans, but we didn’t know which parts of the pool they used most. With these insights, we can plan better, extend or adjust lane swims during peak times and create a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone.”
The successful trial at Mildenhall Hub has encouraged Abbeycroft to consider expanding Lynxight to its other centres.
“We will gather data from Mildenhall to assess the benefits of rolling it out to our other pools. It’s exciting to see how this system has improved safety and efficiency,” says Julie.
She recommends having an on-site ‘Lynxight Champion’ who can help set up and guide the rest of the team to maximise the technology’s potential.
“Having someone passionate about the system, who understands it and can help the rest of the staff embrace it, makes a real difference. The support we’ve received from Lynxight and RLSS UK has been great – whenever we have a question, they’re onto it straight away.
“It’s an amazing system. It has made us safer, brought a new level of engagement to our lifeguards and demonstrated our commitment to public safety.”
Tracey Loynds, Operations Director for Abbeycroft, said: “We are proud to be one of the first small trusts in the UK to install this technology. Working with RLSS UK has ensured that we have considered safety first, and we felt that a blended approach would support the wellbeing of our lifeguards while enhancing the safety of our swimmers.”
Abbeycroft manages and operates 12 facilities on behalf of West Suffolk Council and Babergh District Council.
Cllr Victor Lukaniuk, Deputy Leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “Abbeycroft’s investment in cutting-edge lifeguard technology highlights a forward-thinking approach to safety and innovation. This ensures not only a safe and enjoyable experience for our residents but also demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting facilities that enrich health, wellbeing, and thriving communities.”
For more information and interview/spokesperson opportunities, contact Kelly Key at kellykey@rlss.org.uk or calling 0300 323 0096.
About RLSS UK
Formed in 1891, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is the leading provider of lifesaving and lifeguarding training and water safety education in the UK and Ireland.
On average, RLSS UK Lifeguards prevent one likely in-water accident every six minutes. The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the UK and Ireland and is internationally recognised. More than 40,000 pool lifeguards qualify with the RLSS UK every year, and there are currently more than 74,000 pool lifeguards qualified in the NPLQ – 95% of all UK pool lifeguards.
RLSS UK awards and programmes teach a range of lifesaving skills, from life support (CPR) to water survival and rescue skills. More than 200,000 lifesaving awards and qualifications are delivered every year.
For more information please go to: rlss.org.uk
About Abbeycroft
Abbeycroft is a not-for-profit social enterprise and registered charity with a turnover of £11 million; all profits are reinvested in its services.
The organisation generates £6.2 million of social value per annum in West Suffolk wards alone. It works as part of the wider ‘Suffolk System’ as a willing and trusted partner to complement existing services and activity.
Abbeycroft manages 12 facilities on behalf of West Suffolk Council and Babergh District Council and has local reach in ten communities across Suffolk. It develops and sustains initiatives that focus on improving the health and wellbeing of those communities.
For more information please go to: Abbeycroft.org.uk