Pool Safety Support System
ALL ACTIVE LIFESTYLE CENTRES OPERATE WITH ASSISTED LIFEGUARD TECHNOLOGY (ALT)
FAQ’S
What is Assisted Lifeguard Technology?
Assisted Lifeguard Technology (ALT) is an advanced, AI-powered underwater and overhead system which has been designed to enhance pool safety by continuously monitoring swimmers. The system supports lifeguards by providing real-time alerts constantly scanning the water to detect any signs of swimmers getting into difficulty. Should it detect these signs, the system alerts the lifeguard helping to enable them to provide safe and timely assistance.
Why have Assisted Lifeguard Technology?
We chose to invest in Assisted Lifeguard Technology (ALT) in order to support and assist the lifeguards, not replace them. It can help combat natural factors which can impede their view below the pool water surface, such as glare and reflections. The system is a way of giving our Lifeguards an additional level of safety and support. ALT is supported and developed in line with the Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS) and creates a blended lifeguard approach.
Who can view the live footage?
Images from the Pool Safety Support System are only viewed in real-time by the lifeguard on watch, on poolside, in order to support them in their role. Access to the recorded images is firmly restricted to Senior Managers in Centre, who would only ever review the footage in the case of an incident. All managers are trained in the company’s data protection policies to ensure they understand and adhere to data protection laws and regulations.
How is the data from the System Stored?
Data can only be assessed by authorised personnel. All data is located on a closed and segregated network, protected by firewalls which is only accessible via a VPN that holds three levels of password security.
How long is data from the system stored for?
All data collected by the system is subject to General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. In line with this, footage is stored for a maximum of seven days, after which it is automatically deleted. Footage will only ever be stored for longer than the seven days if it documents an incident that requires investigation.
If an incident required the footage to be kept for more than seven days, how is it stored?
Footage will only ever be stored for longer than seven days if it has recorded an incident that requires investigation. The footage will be downloaded onto an encrypted hard-drive and stored in a secure safe. The only people with access to the safe and hard drive are approved Senior Managers. The footage will be securely destroyed as soon as it is no longer relevant to an investigation.
Third parties can only request to see footage as part of an official investigation and for a legitimate interest, e.g. detection of prevention of crime, public safety, or national security.
Any data requests will need to be put in writing to Circadian Trust, Head Office, Thornbury Leisure Centre, Alveston Way, Thornbury, South Gloucestershire BS35 3JB. Contact email: leisure@circadiantrust.org
Who is legally responsible for the data and is it compliant with Data Protection Laws?
Circadian Trust (who operate Active Lifestyle Centres) is the Data Controller and responsible for the images from the point of capture to the time of their deletion. The data is being collected solely for the purpose of enhancing safety, and is subject to strict data-protection laws. All data is collected and stored under the ‘legitimate interest’ basis in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Is video monitoring a necessary part of a Pool Safety Support System?
Yes, video monitoring is required to ensure the system is effective. The Health and Safety Executives publication Health and Safety in Swimming Pools (HSG179), was revised in February 2018, acknowledged that ‘Camera’s and computer aided surveillance systems may also be used to assist in pool supervision’
How have customers been informed about the installation of the systems?
Notices are displayed in Centres. The notices inform customers that CCTV monitoring and a pool safety support system are in operation in the interest of health and safety.