AI making waves: Technology transforming the aquatic and leisure industry
In February, Selwyn Aquatic Centre in Canterbury made history by becoming the first New Zealand swimming pool to deploy state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technology designed to reduce drowning risks.
Similar technology is being introduced in Australia, with Royal Lifesaving Australia running demo events to showcase the technology at the end of last year, and Royal Lifesaving Queensland introducing drowning-detection system training for lifeguards across the state.
These groundbreaking systems represent just the tip of the iceberg for AI applications transforming the aquatic and leisure industry. Let’s dive into how technology seen as belonging to the future can be harnessed in facilities today.
Eyes that never blink: ‘AI watch’
Selwyn Aquatic Centre has been equipped with an extra set of watchful eyes, with a team of 27 cameras analysing swimmers’ movements and alerting lifeguards to signs of trouble through waterproof smartwatches and dashboards in their office.
The council started investigating the technology after a person had a medical incident while swimming at the centre in 2023. The lifeguard who helped the person said it was challenging to see them due to the reflection and glare on the water from the sun.
Rather than replacing lifeguards at the centre, AI instead offers an extra layer of safety by plugging the gaps of human error which are hard to completely eliminate.
Privacy remains paramount in these installations, with recordings identifying only behaviours that require human investigation and not details that could identify individuals.
Keeping facilities in tip-top shape
Imagine if your pool’s filtration system could tell you it needed attention next Tuesday, or if your gym’s treadmills could predict which belt would need replacing in two weeks’ time. AI-powered predictive maintenance tools can serve aquatic and leisure facilities in this way.
These intelligent systems can continuously monitor equipment performance, analysing vibration patterns, temperature fluctuations, energy consumption and usage data to spot the early warning signs of potential problems. Unlike traditional maintenance schedules that rely on fixed timeframes or waiting for equipment to break down, AI can predict accurately when components are likely to fail.
For aquatic centres, this means AI can monitor pool pumps, heating systems and chemical-dosing equipment around the clock, identifying issues like filter clogging before it causes expensive breakdowns or forces pool closures.
Emergency repairs can cost a lot more than planned maintenance, especially considering lost revenue from facility closures, and AI can optimise maintenance timing to ensure work happens during quiet periods rather than peak-usage times – saving time and money.
AI workout buddies
The Tannery in Christchurch is now home to New Zealand’s first-ever AI-powered gym equipment, which remembers individual gym users, tracks progress and automatically adjusts to match body needs and strength levels.
The technology is ideal for beginners who want to exercise safely without feeling intimidated. The Tannery’s system guides users through each movement, ensuring proper form and gradually building their strength.
It also offers a comprehensive health assessment, analysing key health indicators such as balance, mobility and body composition and calculating the condition of your body compared to your actual age – helping users understand and improve their overall health.
Like the drowning-prevention cameras arriving at some New Zealand and Australian pools, this AI-powered fitness equipment demonstrates how the technology is becoming the assistant that enhances experiences while keeping people safe.
Your new digital colleague
Concerned that AI might take your job? Not likely, according to Matt Ensor, Kia Ora AI Director and Chair of the AI Forum of New Zealand’s working group on generative AI.
Instead AI will be used as a tool which enhances rather than replaces human expertise,
“AI won’t take your job – it’ll come with it. I’ve yet to find a job that it could fully replace.”
AI is ideal for handling administrative tasks like taking notes in meetings, writing up reports and creating routine communications, freeing staff to focus on delivering quality customer service, building relationships and targeting customer needs. Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT and Claude are popular and easily-accessible options.
For a brand-new personal trainer fresh out of college, an AI app can accelerate their learning by suggesting content for group-training sessions or offering real-time guidance on exercise form or safety – keeping a cyber eye on things via the camera of a smartphone.
“You can ask those embarrassing questions that you might be a bit shy about asking a real person,” Ensor said.
Keeping AI on a leash
Ensor said facility managers must make sure that AI tools are being used responsibly.
“Don’t ever let AI take over a process without a human still being fully accountable for that process.”
The key is treating AI like any other operational tool that requires proper oversight.
Privacy considerations extend beyond video surveillance. Some AI systems remember all interactions, which can be valuable for personalised service but requires careful consideration of data-protection policies and customer consent.
The aquatic and leisure industry stands on the cusp of a new era. As AI handles more mundane tasks, industry professionals can focus on what they do best – creating memorable experiences and ensuring every visitor leaves with a smile.
The future isn’t about choosing between human expertise and artificial intelligence – it’s about combining both to create leisure experiences that are safer, smarter and more enjoyable than ever before.