A new trial using artificial intelligence is underway at one of New South Wales' most hazardous rock fishing locations, the Kiama Blowhole. This 14-month project aims to reduce drownings in an area that has seen 11 fatalities over the past 15 years due to its powerful waves and unpredictable conditions.

The initiative involves the installation of advanced cameras that can detect when someone falls into the water and alert rescue teams within seconds. Steve Pearce, chief executive of Surf Life Saving NSW, emphasized the potential impact of this technology in enhancing safety at this perilous coastal site. "This is a really exciting project," he stated. "We're using artificial intelligence to improve how quickly we can respond when rock fishers get into trouble."

Kiama was selected for the trial because of its tragic history. Pearce noted, "The Blowhole area is unfortunately well known for fatalities. We also get so many rescues, and the local clubs at Kiama and Gerringong are constantly called out all year round."

The cameras are strategically positioned to monitor the rock shelf, utilizing high-resolution imaging to keep track of the number of individuals present. Pearce explained, "The cameras scan the rock shelf every millisecond and count people on the rock shelf. So, if ten people, for example, are standing there on the rock shelf fishing, and in a millisecond if it drops down to nine, the artificial intelligence is trained to identify that as one person in the water."

Once a person is detected in the water, an alarm is triggered at the State Operations Centre in Sydney, allowing for a swift response from local lifesavers, lifeguards, and other emergency services.

To ensure the system is effective, lifesavers are conducting controlled exercises in calm conditions, simulating real rescues by jumping into the water. Pearce remarked, "Locals will see — what they think looks pretty silly — but we will have groups of people standing there and jumping off into the water to train it. Anything that can help save a life is worth it."

The trial is expected to enhance local rescue capabilities, with jet skis and emergency response teams on standby to act when an alarm is activated. Pearce concluded, "People in the community should be proud. Kiama is helping lead the way in lifesaving technology."