Israeli firm hopes AI can curb drownings

Lifeguards simulate a mock drowning at a beach in the Mediterranean coastal city of Ashdod, as they demonstrate the artificial intelligence program aimed at detecting drowning threats. — AFP

An Israeli city is testing whether an artificial intelligence program that detects drowning threats can help save lives off its beaches.

The program, developed by a company called SightBit, uses information collected from surveillance cameras to determine who is in the water – an adult or child, for example – if they are moving or limp, and the current’s movement at that location.