Apple has recently filed a patent for a new Apple Watch feature that aims to prevent drowning accidents. The feature, dubbed the “digital pool attendant,” utilizes the various sensors in the Apple Watch, such as the accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS, and heart rate monitor, to detect irregular swimming behavior that could indicate a person is in distress.
The digital pool attendant works by analyzing data from the sensors to determine the user’s swim strokes, motion, and heart rate while swimming. By establishing a baseline for normal swimming behavior, the Apple Watch can identify when the data from the sensors deviates significantly from the norm, suggesting that the person may be in trouble.
In the event that the Apple Watch detects a potential drowning incident, it can relay a warning to family members who also have an Apple Watch or send an alert to a drowning detection system at the pool to notify lifeguards. Additionally, if the user is not a strong swimmer, the watch can provide a warning when they venture into the deep end of the pool, helping to prevent accidents before they occur.
The integration of this life-saving feature aligns with Apple’s ongoing efforts to position the Apple Watch as a comprehensive health and safety device. In the past, the smartwatch has been credited with saving lives through its heart rate monitoring and car crash detection capabilities.
While the digital pool attendant is currently just a patent, it remains unclear when or if it will be implemented in future Apple Watch models. If Apple prioritizes the development of this feature, it could potentially be showcased at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, where the company typically unveils the latest WatchOS and its new features. Alternatively, if more time is needed to refine the technology, Apple may choose to debut the feature alongside the next generation of Apple Watch and iPhone, which are usually revealed at a September event.
As drowning remains a leading cause of unintentional death worldwide, the introduction of a digital pool attendant feature in the Apple Watch could have a significant impact on water safety. By leveraging advanced sensor technology and algorithms, Apple aims to provide an extra layer of protection for swimmers and help prevent tragic accidents in and around pools.
