Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

Some monitoring tasks are being helped by technology. For example, lifeguards in Spain and the United States now work with aerial drones that can zoom over beaches, spot struggling swimmers, and drop flotation devices in seconds ^{[1] [2]}. Likewise, new pool-camera systems use AI to watch for “drowning” movements and immediately alert a lifeguard ^{[3] [3]}.

These tools add extra eyes to busy beaches or pools. In mountain rescue, drones are also used: some powerful UAVs can carry rescue kits or even drop avalanche charges, and their video feeds run through AI software to flag likely areas where lost skiers might be ^{[4] [4]}. In one Chinese project, hundreds of sensors and cameras monitor a river 24/7; if the AI sees someone in trouble, it can send a robot lifeguard with a life ring and rescue arm ^{[5] [5]}.

Adopting these tools comes slowly because safety and costs are important. Lifeguards and ski patrols emphasize that human speed and care are vital – every second can save a life ^{[2] [2]}. The pandemic even caused a lifeguard shortage in the U.S., showing how needy the field already was ^[2].

While technology like swimmer-detection software has existed for years, it hasn’t been used everywhere ^[2]. New AI gear can be expensive and needs careful testing and approval. However, the growing number of winter and beach visitors (and dangers like avalanches) is pushing teams to try whatever helps ^{[4] [2]}.