Key Points
- ResQvision detects rips and struggling swimmers and sends a message to rescuers.
- It's the brainchild of three friends from Sydney including a surf lifesaver.
- The technology will be trialled at Bondi Beach this summer.
ResQvision, the innovative creation of surf lifesaver Alex Piatek and his friends, Bryan Pakulski and Julian Kovacek, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor ocean activity.
The platform scans waves, tides and swimmers and sends an emergency message to first responders if it detects a swimmer is struggling.
The technology is set to be piloted at Sydney’s Bondi Beach over the 2024-25 summer period, where surf lifesavers will provide feedback to help refine the system.
"This artificial intelligence platform utilises cameras already installed by the government and surf clubs," Pakulski told SBS Polish.
There were 323 drowning deaths from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, 16 per cent higher than the 10-year average of 278, according to Royal Life Saving Australia's .
Of this statistic, 25 per cent were born overseas with the highest countries of origin being India, China, Nepal and the UK, while almost half occurred at coastal locations, including 84 at beaches.
According to , 21 people who drowned in the same 2023-24 period were from culturally and linguistically diverse communities — the highest ever recorded.
Chaitanya Mupparaju and Surya Teja Bobba drowned at Millaa Millaa Falls in Far North Queensland in July 2024. Credit: Supplied
She said the common threat is risky behaviour undertaken away from the watchful eyes of lifesaver-patrolled areas.
"And so what this means is it's not necessarily a dangerous beach or it might be a bay or a calmer looking beach but it's more of the activities people are doing in those areas and their ability to be able to deal with the water conditions that they're facing."
Pakulski said Australia faces a significant issue with individuals drowning at beaches where no lifeguards are present.
"Statistics show that areas monitored by lifeguards are very safe, with virtually no drownings occurring under their watch.
"However, the situation is drastically different outside the flagged zones and designated patrol hours when no one is left on the beach to ensure safety. That’s where our focus lies — on the unpatrolled beaches and the times when no lifeguards are available to protect swimmers."
Two Malayalam women died after being swept off rocks at Kurnell in Sydney’s south in June 2024. Credit: Supplied
"Look we're dealing with mother nature at the end of the day.
"And as much as we can forecast conditions, it is unpredictable at times. And so the onus is on everybody for their own water safety to make sure they can stay safe."
When a swimmer is identified as being in distress, ResQvision sends off-duty rescuers an alert via text message, including the swimmer’s exact location and a live video feed.
"We now have access to incredibly powerful computers and high-quality cameras capable of spotting people in the water with remarkable clarity," Pakulski said.
"This technology is still evolving, but it’s allowing us to build systems that can recognise when someone is in trouble and needs assistance."
'We're pioneers'
Pakulski and Kovacek met at the University of NSW in 2017 while studying computer science while Piatek was a volunteer surf lifesaver at Bondi Beach.
Piatek says he conceived the technology after witnessing countless incidents outside patrol hours.
"When it comes to ocean rescue, we’re leading the way. While others are researching and exploring ways to address similar challenges, our system is unique in its approach — it covers everything from identifying a person in distress to ensuring help is sent. In this sense, we’re pioneers."
Living just two minutes from Bondi Beach, Piatek said he had heard of many tragic situations like intoxicated people jumping into the water at night and drowning within minutes.
He realised that timely intervention could make all the difference.
"Alex loved the idea and reached out to me," Pakulski added
"I immediately saw its potential. We met, discussed it, and decided to give it a shot. That’s how this project began."
