press release: GLL
RLSS UK and GLL collaborate with Lynxight to trial new Assisted Lifeguard Technology
07 Aug 2023
![](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2023/HIGH351639_299077_367019.jpg)
The partnership could revolutionise how lifeguards and operators safeguard pool users across the UK and Ireland. / GLL / RLSS / Lynxight
This ground-breaking partnership aimed to thoroughly test the Lynxight system with a view to revolutionising how lifeguards and operators safeguard pool users across the UK and Ireland.
For over thirty years, RLSS UK has been at the forefront of supporting pool operators with qualifications, guidance, consultancy, and expert training to meet evolving water safety challenges. Embracing technology as a means to enhance safety and support lifeguards and pool operators, RLSS UK and Lynxight, with GLL’s expertise and support, is introducing an innovative and affordable new solution for pool risk management. This collaboration reaffirms RLSS UK's commitment to being the leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding, sharing expertise, and providing everyone with the skills to save lives and enjoy water safely.
Robert Gofton, CEO of RLSS UK, expressed his delight, stating, "After several years of investigating how technology and AI would impact lifeguarding and lifesaving, we are thrilled to announce this partnership with Lynxight. We believe this system will elevate swimming pool safety, making pools even safer for everyone."
Lynxight's pioneering technology, developed by founders with military service experience, combines specialist Artificial Intelligence (AI) software and swimmer behaviour analysis with standard security cameras to deliver real-time insights both above and below the water, directly to the lifeguard's smartwatch. The system complements the highly skilled work of trained lifeguards, as recommended in the new National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) Gen 10, supported by world-leading international research. It continuously monitors pool users and promptly alerts lifeguards via smartwatches about anyone who may require assistance, enhancing overall pool safety. Lynxight's cost-effective solution utilises an overhead security camera system, offering easy maintenance, minimal impact on pool buildings, and low visibility to pool visitors. It can operate in various pool types, including indoor standard tank swimming pools, freeform pools with irregular shapes, and outdoor swimming pools.
Jo Talbot, Commercial Director at RLSS UK, emphasised the importance of embracing technology while upholding the significance of lifeguarding. "Swimming pool operators can now enhance safety standards and further protect the well-being of pool users across the UK and Ireland," she said.
During a successful six-month trial by GLL, they were able to adapt, test and refine the system to meet the stringent needs of UK pool operators. Enhanced metrics generated also helped to optimise swimming pool operations, including real-time insights into pool usage, swimmer numbers, and detailed data for each lane or pool area. The positive results and feedback from the trial have generated immense interest, with GLL planning to install the Lynxight system in a number of their swimming pools over the coming months.
Chris Hebblewhite, National Standards and Compliance Director at GLL said, "Assisted Lifeguarding Technology is about making pools even safer for everyone, and this 'UK first' between RLSS UK, GLL and Lynxight, represents a huge step forward. With this landmark collaboration, we are leading the integration of technology and lifeguarding expertise to create a safer environment for all pool users.”
For GLL, it is the first major initiative to be developed by its new Product Innovation Campus – which brings together physical infrastructure, equipment, content, programming, digital tools, and strategic partnerships – to facilitate innovation and advancement within its customer offer.
Swimming pool safety expert, Andy Read, commented: “For many years, I have been convinced that lifeguards in public swimming pools should be able to benefit from technology offering them a secondary level of safety, which supports a combined lifeguard and technology approach. The availability of the Lynxight system and the prominent use of the words ‘artificial intelligence’ will, I hope, be treated positively by designers, local authority commissioners of facilities, operators, and those with an enforcement role such as Environmental Health Officers, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), but most importantly by pool users. I believe that as soon as pools start to introduce technology to support lifeguards, the outcome will help to control the number of lifeguards, lives will be saved, and those suffering an ill health episode in a swimming pool will get swifter support.”
Omer Bar-Ilan, CEO and Co-founder of Lynxight shared his excitement about the partnership, stating, "We are proud to bring our service to the UK under this new and exciting collaboration with RLSS UK and GLL. Lynxight's mission is to offer affordable access to the most advanced AI safety platform for use in the water, and we look forward to working with UK's swimming pool lifeguards and operators."
For more information or to book a demonstration of the Lynxight system, please visit https://lynxight.com/uk
More press releases and updates from GLL:
After an incredibly competitive season, the London Youth Games Finals Festival took place at
the end of last month at GLL's Copper Box Arena in London.
New research highlights the importance of children’s swimming lessons as more primary schools
reduce mandatory lessons.
More than 500 visitors took part in a host of sports and leisure activities on Sunday 16th
June as part of London Pride’s inaugural 2024 Out for Sport Festival at the iconic Crystal
Palace National Sports Centre.
Better’s Rainbow Leisure Centre in Epsom has maintained its ‘Excellent’ status from QUEST –
the Quality Scheme for Sport and Leisure.This follows a mystery visit from the organisation
in April plus a planned audit in May.
Great news for GLL’s successful association with the UK’s Professional Netball scene came
this week with the announcement that England Netball and Netball Superleague (NSL) stars
London Pulse – who are based at Copper Box Arena (CBA) - will be one of eight clubs
participating in the relaunched League from 2025.
GLL
Address:
Middlegate House,
The Royal Arsenal,
London,
SE18 6SX,
UK
![](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/dir/590929_565241.jpg)
Peter Bundey, chief executive
![](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/dir/281301_239215.jpg)
GLL video gallery:
Key personnel
Peter Bundey, chief executive
Key customers
Companies we work with include Annodata, Physical Company, Technogym, Change Please and Divine Chocolate.
Local Authorities and Agencies we work with include Greenwich Council, Belfast City Council, Cardiff City Council, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, LLDC, ukactive, SportsAid, SportsAid Wales, Mary Peters Trust, Swim England and Sport England.
Local Authorities and Agencies we work with include Greenwich Council, Belfast City Council, Cardiff City Council, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, LLDC, ukactive, SportsAid, SportsAid Wales, Mary Peters Trust, Swim England and Sport England.
Plans for the next 12 months
Our 2025 strategies and roadmap are already well-shaped and are based on our Five-Year Plan, which was launched last year.
With our positive performance and improved social outcomes during 2024, GLL is well placed to be at the forefront of societal, economic and environmental change.
The future will see us focusing on excellent customer service alongside our social enterprise values and growing our social impact, while effective partnerships with national health and wellbeing agencies will support individual lifestyle and wellness outcomes.
We’re delighted to see strong data indicators that show engagement with a diversity of age, demography and levels of activity across our facilities.
To foster community strength, health and mental wellbeing, we’ll balance the provision of health, fitness, team sport and social activities across a 50/50 split of male/female users, backed by an enhanced digital customer focus.
With our positive performance and improved social outcomes during 2024, GLL is well placed to be at the forefront of societal, economic and environmental change.
The future will see us focusing on excellent customer service alongside our social enterprise values and growing our social impact, while effective partnerships with national health and wellbeing agencies will support individual lifestyle and wellness outcomes.
We’re delighted to see strong data indicators that show engagement with a diversity of age, demography and levels of activity across our facilities.
To foster community strength, health and mental wellbeing, we’ll balance the provision of health, fitness, team sport and social activities across a 50/50 split of male/female users, backed by an enhanced digital customer focus.
Testimonial
“We made the decision to begin supporting the GLL Sport Foundation in 2015, and it is a pleasure to announce the renewal of our sponsorship with this incredible institution.
"Many bright and talented athletes throughout the United Kingdom are unable to chase their dreams of sporting glory due to lack of funding. We are passionate about helping GSF give equal opportunities to all young people and achieving their dreams of competing on the international stage.
"Our partnership enables both our brands to share the success of the UK’s most aspiring athletes who we are proud to have heard speak in such an inspirational way at our internal Sales Conferences and who have supported our marketing and brand development goals through representation and storytelling both in person and via social media”.
– Rod Tonna-Barthet, chief executive, Annodata
"Many bright and talented athletes throughout the United Kingdom are unable to chase their dreams of sporting glory due to lack of funding. We are passionate about helping GSF give equal opportunities to all young people and achieving their dreams of competing on the international stage.
"Our partnership enables both our brands to share the success of the UK’s most aspiring athletes who we are proud to have heard speak in such an inspirational way at our internal Sales Conferences and who have supported our marketing and brand development goals through representation and storytelling both in person and via social media”.
– Rod Tonna-Barthet, chief executive, Annodata
Testimonial
"I am so thankful for the support I have received from GLL Sport Foundation. My first individual medal ever is extremely special, and I would not be here if it wasn’t for the support, I have received from the GLL ‘family’.”
– Daryll Neita, Birmingham Commonwealth Games bronze and silver medalist, GLL Athlete
– Daryll Neita, Birmingham Commonwealth Games bronze and silver medalist, GLL Athlete
Testimonial
"This exciting new chapter cements the future of our six key sports venues and is part of our commitment to the many communities we serve far and wide. We have carefully structured this partnership with GLL to ensure that visitors will continue to enjoy the very best in these stellar, highly popular venues. We look forward to together creating exciting new programmes and activities that draw on the strengths of both organisations.
“These venues are part of the Lee Valley visitor experience and will continue to be so with some of the best facilities and most inspiring settings to be found anywhere. As part of the partnership Lee Valley Regional Park Authority will continue to invest to ensure that they go from strength to strength, delivering real impact for communities.”
– Shaun Dawson chief executive, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority
“These venues are part of the Lee Valley visitor experience and will continue to be so with some of the best facilities and most inspiring settings to be found anywhere. As part of the partnership Lee Valley Regional Park Authority will continue to invest to ensure that they go from strength to strength, delivering real impact for communities.”
– Shaun Dawson chief executive, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority
Search news, features & products:
Find a supplier: