New pool device uses artificial intelligence to help prevent drownings – NBC 6 South Florida

A new device has been designed that uses an underwater camera and alarm system to help prevent drowning, and that’s exactly what happened to a Florida mother who became a safe swimming advocate.

Sophia Brizeus talks to parents and schools about water safety, especially for young children.

“I love educating people about the dangers of water because it can be fun, but you also have to be safe around water,” Brizeus said. “Drowning is silent. It’s not like in the movies where you’re waving your arms.”

It’s a painful lesson he reminds himself of every year at this time.

Her daughter, Soraya Stevens, drowned in the family pool in July 2018 during a family gathering. She was 23 months old.

“We were at my mom’s house. It was Sunday,” Brizeus said. “I just heard screaming, and when I came out, Soraya was already on the floor, and one of my sisters was doing CPR on her.”

Child drowned a week before first swimming lesson.

It’s the kind of tragedy that the creators of a new AI-powered pool alarm think could happen at any moment. So they created MYLO, a device that acts as a virtual lifeguard.

“He has the eyes of a lifeguard,” said Jonathan Jacobovitz, a spokesman for Coral Smart Pool, the company that sells the product. “He has the brain of a lifeguard.”

The device sends text alerts when someone approaches or enters the pool. It also sets off an alarm in the pool and at home if someone appears to be drowning.

“The whole point of this device is to provide an extra layer of security,” Jacobovitz said.

Of course, it does not replace current safety guidelines, such as pool fencing or appointing a “water warden” to supervise swimmers.

The Florida Department of Children and Families reports that 64 children have drowned in the state this year.

Ninety-nine people drowned last year.

While it’s painful to talk about the loss, Brizeus says it’s worth telling your story if it helps save someone’s life.

“I feel that Soraya did not die in vain if my story can save at least one family from the tragedy I experience every day,” she said.