The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is finding its way increasingly to the poolside, with operators leveraging it to monitor swimming pools more effectively and react quickly to any emergencies. According to Tobias Keber, the State Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, this trend raises significant concerns about privacy and the legal frameworks surrounding such technology.
Boasting capabilities like counting the number of individuals in the water and tracking their movements, these AI monitoring systems are changing the face of pool safety. Keber pointed out during the presentation of his annual report on March 17, 2025, the necessity of balancing safety and the ethical treatment of personal data being gathered by these cameras.
“The pools and administrations underestimate this because they often rely on off-the-shelf software. They have to question the offerings and do their homework,” said Keber. His comments reflected broader concerns over the deployment of AI technologies without adequate oversight or legal frameworks, which could put consumers at risk.
While AI monitoring systems have been operational since the summer of 2023, and their use is reportedly growing, Keber emphasized the lack of modern legal guidelines governing the processing of personal image data via AI technology. "It is fundamentally to be assumed...that the image recordings are personal data," he stated, underscoring the urgent need for regulatory updates to protect citizens' privacy rights.
The Freudenstadt Panorama-Bad is highlighted as a pioneer facility implementing AI for swimming pool monitoring. With the ability of the AI to recognize specific movements and patterns, the technology aims to detect potential dangers before they escalate. The AI analyzes images sent to its server and can alert lifeguards through smartwatches about the number of individuals present and identify any unusual activities, which may indicate someone is struggling.
One of the primary motivations for adopting AI monitoring systems is to expedite emergency responses. Incidents like drownings, which are preventable with timely intervention, could see outcomes drastically improved through this cutting-edge technology. The integration of AI not only aims to reduce response times but also assists lifeguards by providing concise information on overload situations and instances of immobile individuals.
While such advancements promise great benefits for public safety, the legal framework surrounding the collection of personal data remains deficient. Keber has called for lawmakers to take action, as the existing data protection laws are somewhat rigid and do not cater to the nuances of modern AI technologies.
Further complicate matters, the current legislative environment offers few protections against potential data privacy violations stemming from AI utilization. This presents considerable risk, especially as swimming facilities increasingly opt for these systems without taking the necessary precautions to protect the captured information.
It is important to note the growing concern over data breaches and privacy violations within the state of Baden-Württemberg. Reports indicate the number of complaints about data protection violations surged to 3,559 within 2024, alongside 243 fine proceedings initiated due to breaches. Keber, who has been instrumental in advocating for enhanced data protection protocols, highlighted the need for strict regulatory compliance as facilities embrace technological improvements.
Schools, businesses, and public offices face increasing software and technology-related challenges. Keber has urged these entities not to wait until the full application of the forthcoming EU AI regulations, anticipated to take effect by 2026. He argues, “If we want to be successful, we have to bring together data protection and innovation now.”
Despite the challenges presented by using AI, the potential to improve public safety and responsiveness can hardly be ignored. Keber has noted, “We don’t want responsible institutions to have to laboriously correct potentially illegal data processing under high time pressure.” This ambitious stance underlines the urgency with which Keber views the integration of responsible data protection legislation as technology continues to evolve.
To mitigate risks, clear guidelines must be established for the practical use of AI technologies. Public swimming facilities, which play a role as community spaces, hold significant responsibilities to not only implement safety measures but to also protect the personal data of patrons they monitor.
Overall, as AI technology enhances safety efforts within swimming pools, balancing privacy concerns with innovation is pivotal. The onus now lies with the regulators to provide comprehensive frameworks to support this evolution, ensuring public trust remains intact amid rapid technological changes.
