Last week, SwimEye completed a very successful system test for a project in Lucerne, Switzerland. The project includes drowning detection in two pools; a 25 x 21m swimming pool and a 12.5 x 12.5m diving pool. It is also a “take-over” project, where SwimEye has been selected to replace a poor performing competitor product.
“We visited Lucerne to assist our Swiss Partner Jomatec with the system test and handover process. The test process involved dropping a drowning rescue doll into each pool and recording the accuracy of the SwimEye drowning detection system,” said Tor Petter Johansen – SwimEye, Chief Executive Officer.
A very successful system test
The system test was completed in accordance with ISO 20380 requirements. This included 66 test zones in the 25m swimming pool and 20 test zones in the 12.5m diving pool. “The result was 97% and 95% respectively,” continued Tor.
“Shortly following the test, small adjustments were made to the system calibration, and the ‘fails’ were rectified and successfully verified with re-tests.” SwimEye confirmed that overall, more than 90 tests were undertaken in the 25m swimming pool, to achieve 100% detection performance following the final calibrations.
Testing with swimmers in the pool
The Lucerne system test was completed with swimmers and real activity in the pool (as pictured). This is something that SwimEye believes is very important when completing a system test.
“Testing with swimmers in the pool, tests the ‘real life’ situation of a drowning,” said Tor. This, however, is contrary to ISO 20380 which specifies that the system test must be undertaken without swimmers (when the pool is closed). Evidence has indicated that many of the competitor products perform significantly worse when tested with swimmers in the pool.
ISO sets a low benchmark
Furthermore, the ISO Standard specifies that a system test must only achieve 80% detection to be deemed successful.
“As it stands, the Standard has set a low benchmark in many areas,” said Tor. “We have found that many pool owners and lifeguards expect perfection from there drowning prevention system.”
“Testing with a closed pool and aiming for 80% detection has created the possibility for a gap between expectation and reality. This must be addressed with improvements to ISO 20380.”
“SwimEye firmly believes that ISO 20380 must be improved to ensure that drowning detection sector continues to improve the technology,” he said.
More improvement from SwimEye
SwimEye takes the detection performance very seriously. Although 97% is an excellent result when compared to the Standard, they will continue to develop the technology and redefine the performance benchmarks of the sector.
“SwimEye always strives for 100% detection performance,” concluded Tor.
If you have any questions about the system test in Lucerne, please contact SwimEye today.