Poolview Plus+ drowning detection system

What is a drowning detection system? 

Poolview Plus+ uses underwater cameras and advanced monitoring technology to identify signs of irregular movement or a lack of movement in the water that may indicate a swimmer is experiencing difficulty. If potential concerns are detected, the system immediately alerts lifeguards, enabling them to provide prompt assistance where required. 

What are the benefits of using a drowning detection system? 

Poolview Plus+ is designed to support our lifeguards by improving underwater visibility. Factors such as glare, reflections, and surface disturbance can affect a lifeguard’s ability to see beneath the water. The system helps overcome these challenges by continuously monitoring the pool and alerting lifeguards to potential incidents, supporting earlier intervention and enhancing swimmer safety. 

Will the drowning detection system reduce the number of lifeguards on poolside? 

No. Poolview Plus+ is intended to support, not replace, lifeguards. The number of lifeguards on duty continues to be determined through established risk assessments, including pool visibility requirements, swimmer numbers, and the activities taking place. While the enhanced visibility provided by the system may be considered as part of these assessments, appropriately trained lifeguards will always remain responsible for supervising the pool. 

Who can view the footage? 

Live footage from the system is only available to lifeguards on duty and is viewed through dedicated monitoring equipment located on poolside. Access to recorded footage is strictly limited to authorised senior managers and will only be reviewed if required following an incident. All authorised personnel receive training in data protection and information governance and are required to comply with relevant legislation and University policies. 

Who can request to view the footage? 

Third parties may request access to footage only where there is a legitimate and lawful reason, such as the prevention or detection of crime, public safety, national security, or the investigation of an incident. Requests must be submitted through the University's formal data request process and will be assessed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. 

Under what circumstances would a request to view footage be approved? 

Requests will only be approved where a lawful basis exists and the request has been made through the appropriate process. This may include requests from statutory authorities for purposes such as: 

• the prevention or detection of crime
• the apprehension or prosecution of offenders 
• Health and safety investigations 
• other lawful regulatory or safeguarding purposes 

How is the privacy of other individuals protected if footage is reviewed? 

Where footage is disclosed or reviewed as part of an approved investigation, the University will take appropriate measures to protect the identities and privacy of individuals who are not directly relevant to the incident or enquiry, in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. 

Is video monitoring necessary for a drowning detection system? 

Yes. Video monitoring forms an essential part of the operation of Poolview Plus+. The Health and Safety Executive's guidance document Health and Safety in Swimming Pools (HSG179) recognises that cameras and computer-assisted surveillance systems can be used to assist with pool supervision and support lifeguards in maintaining a safe swimming environment. 

Who is responsible for the data and is the system compliant with data protection laws? 

The University of Southampton is the Data Controller for all data captured by the Poolview Plus+ system. The system is operated solely for the purpose of enhancing swimmer safety and is managed in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and the University's data protection policies. The lawful basis for processing this data is the University's legitimate interest in maintaining a safe environment for pool users. 

How long is footage retained? 

Footage is retained for a maximum period of seven days and is automatically deleted thereafter. Footage may only be retained beyond this period, where it relates to an incident requiring investigation or where retention is otherwise required by law. 

How is the data stored? 

During the retention period, data is stored securely on-site within protected systems. Access is restricted to authorised personnel only. The network is segregated and protected by multiple layers of security, including firewalls, secure remote access controls, and password-protected systems. 

How is footage stored if it needs to be retained for longer than seven days? 

Where footage is required for an ongoing investigation, it will be transferred to encrypted storage media and held securely with access restricted to authorised senior staff. The footage will be retained only for as long as necessary and will be securely deleted when no longer required. 

Who are the authorised personnel with access to recorded footage? 

Live footage is viewed only by lifeguards on duty as part of their operational responsibilities. Access to recorded footage is restricted to authorised senior managers who may review footage solely in connection with an incident or investigation. All authorised personnel receive regular training on data protection requirements and information governance responsibilities. 

How have pool users been informed about the system? 

Notices are displayed within Jubilee Sport and Recreation Centre, the University’s sport facility located at University Road, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ. Pool users have been informed that CCTV monitoring and a drowning detection system are in operation via our terms and conditions and the Southampton Sport website. These measures are in place to support health, safety, and swimmer welfare within the facility.