POOL SAFETY Gets an Important Technology Upgrade, Thanks to AI

What’s needed to keep the entire family safe and sound in busy environments with access to pools is another layer of security that runs 24/7, and one which can alert us before a dangerous situation becomes a life-threatening event. (Courtesy of PoolScout)
What’s needed to keep the entire family safe and sound in busy environments with access to pools is another layer of security that runs 24/7, and one which can alert us before a dangerous situation becomes a life-threatening event. (Courtesy of PoolScout)

By Sam Weitzman

With a historic heat wave currently gripping regions the world over, millions — if not billions — of people are headed for cooler water somewhere. But for those who cannot swim, and even some who do, cooling off can be dangerous. 

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, more children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause of death except birth defects. For children ages 1–14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes. 

Whether you’re taking your family to the beach, a local community pool, or even a water park, vigilance is key.

The same is true if your water hole is in the backyard, which is why home pools are getting a safety upgrade thanks to the same technology that’s teaching cars and trucks to drive themselves.

Safe and Sound

For millions of us, myself included, trying to supervise our kids while in the middle of an important call or meeting is the new normal. Technology is fantastic at connecting us, but screens are even better at distracting us.
With a historic heat wave currently gripping regions the world over, people are headed for cooler water somewhere. But for those who cannot swim, and even some who do, cooling off can be dangerous.

A brief aside: nothing can or should replace physical barriers or adult supervision.

Even so, neither measure is a standalone, foolproof solution. Children and pets can easily climb over or squeeze through pool fences, and even the best parent or guardian can be distracted for a few precious minutes.

The COVID surge in work-from-home means that more adults are at home during the day, but so is an entirely virtual office full of demands. For millions of us, myself included, trying to supervise our kids while in the middle of an important call or meeting is the new normal.

Technology is fantastic at connecting us, but screens are even better at distracting us.

What’s needed to keep the entire family safe and sound in this environment is another layer of security that runs 24/7, and one which can alert us before a dangerous situation becomes a life-threatening event.

Deep Learning

Thankfully, such technology already exists. After all, we now use appliances that can see, hear, and even communicate with one another. When we are away, a motion detector can alert us to a stranger in our home or on our property.

Sam Weitzman is the CEO and Founder of Deep Innovations and the creator of PoolScout
“While I was holding our youngest and my wife was snapping a photo of us, our older boy had sunk below the surface of the pool in which I was standing,” explains Sam Weitzman is the CEO and Founder of Deep Innovations and the creator of PoolScout.

However, what if we are not away, or if we need to know that a child who is supposed to be taking a nap upstairs has instead wandered outside and climbed the pool fence?

What happens if the family pooch has waded into the shallow part of the pool and is about to fall off into deeper water?

Though we use the term “dog paddle” to describe an instinctual way of swimming, the reality is that not all pets know how to swim.

The solution requires taking the technology that already exists inside the house outside the house —a  technology commonly known as “deep learning.”

This encompasses both artificial intelligence, which automates processes by “thinking” through a series of steps as a human being might do, and machine learning, where a computer learns a seemingly simple task from experience rather than innate programming.

Often, such tasks involve distinguishing between the normal and abnormal, or classifying different types of objects.

While motion detectors, for example, can detect weight, machine learning can learn to distinguish a child from an adult, and a pet from a feral animal, using all kinds of observations such as movement and shape.

Trust

As technologists, our challenge is to earn parents’ trust that these non-human eyes and ears are capable of looking out for their loved ones.

Again, nothing can replace adult supervision or effective physical barriers, but adults can be only a few feet away from a child and still find themselves distracted by any number of things, from phones to photo opportunities to kids simply being kids.

What happens is that we end up reacting when something goes awry, but by then, it may be too late.

(See how PoolScout’s AI monitors your pool 24/7, generating reliable alerts in real-time. Courtesy of PoolScout and Vimeo.)

I found myself in such a situation several years ago, when my wife and I took our two young sons to a community pool in our neighborhood.

While I was holding our youngest and my wife was snapping a photo of us, our older boy had sunk below the surface of the pool in which I was standing.

Thankfully, I turned around in time for this to be “just” a scare, but it also occurred to me how narrow the margin of error can be in such a case — even when you’re doing everything right. 

We have the technology to make that margin much wider. All we need to do is go to the deep end of the data pool.

Sam Weitzman
Sam Weitzman

About the Author

Sam Weitzman is the CEO and Founder of Deep Innovations and the creator of PoolScout.

They are focused on enabling the future of pool enjoyment with cutting-edge artificial intelligence and advanced video analytics to create a safer world around pools. 

PureTech Takes Platinum in 2021 ‘ASTORS’ for Best Maritime Perimeter Protection Solution

PureTech Vice President of Sales Mike Chaffeen and Marketing Director Sharon Staples receive One of Record Six 2021 'ASTORS' Awards for PureActiv Perimeter Security and Video Analytics Portfolio of Products.
PureTech Vice President of Sales Mike Chaffee and Marketing Director Shannon Staples receive One of Record Six 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards for PureActiv Perimeter Security and Video Analytics Portfolio of Products.

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Seventh Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

PureTech Systems (First of Six)

  • Best Perimeter Protection Solution

  • PureActiv

  • PureTech Systems has been recognized with a record Six 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards for its PureActiv fully integrated automated outdoor wide-area and perimeter protection system, and was recently Nominated for Multiple Awards in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’.

  • PureActiv integrates with a vast array of short- and long-range perimeter sensors such as radar, buried or on-fence fiber detection systems, and ground sensors either singularly or in a combination to provide just the right level of protection to cost-effectively meet the most secure perimeter requirements.

    And PureActiv delivers among the highest probability of detection with the lowest nuisance alarm rates for securing facilities, infrastructure, and borders.

(See a brief introduction to PureTech’s PureActiv automated outdoor wide-area and perimeter protection system in action. Courtesy of PureTech Systems and YouTube.)

PureTech Systems (Second of Six)

  • Best Long Range Surveillance Solution

  • PureActiv for Borders

  • Controlling national borders is an important part of a nation’s security, and the ability to effectively monitor vast areas in varied weather conditions and terrain, while accurately identifying potential threats at great distances is a complicated scenario.

PureActiv® uses geospatial (GIS map-based) map technology to display camera, radar, and other sensors locations and their field-of-views, alarm events, and target tracks. I
PureActiv® uses geospatial (GIS map-based) map technology to display camera, radar, and other sensors, locations, and their field-of-views, alarm events, and target tracks. I
  • The solution calls for knowledgeable personnel and accurate sensors that work together to quickly assess a situation and enable border agents to effectively intervene.

  • Ideal for Border Security, the PureActiv Automated Perimeter Intrusion Detection System enables detection, and classification of intruders up to 6 miles away.

  • Once PureActiv automatically identifies an intruder, the system can automatically track them and quickly provide accurate intruder location on a GIS map to the end-user.

(The MVSS platform utilizes PureTech Systems’ PureActiv software as its central command and control, providing AI enhanced video detection and classification, user interface display, and sensor collaboration logic for the surveillance suite. The suite consists of visible and thermal cameras, laser illuminators and range finders mounted on telescoping masts located in the back of commercial pickup trucks. Courtesy of Fox 5, PureTech Systems, and YouTube.)

PureTech Systems (Third of Six)

  • Best Maritime Perimeter Protection Solution

  • PureActiv

  • Our nation and the world depend on the safe and efficient shipment of goods around the globe. 

  • Threats to seaports and the resultant potential loss of lives and economic losses due to service interruptions make it imperative that seaports throughout the world are properly protected from terrorist and safety-related events. 

puretech
Seaports around the world bring commerce from all geographic areas and countries and our nation depends on the safe and efficient shipment of goods around the globe.
  • PureTech’s PureActiv wide area and perimeter protection solutions help Port Authorities improve the safety and security of seaports with a tangible return on investment, and automates the protection of land and water-side perimeters to help ensure the safety and security of personnel and critical assets. 

  • By detecting intrusion events at the perimeter before they result in more catastrophic events, loss of life, and operational downtime, port authorities, and law enforcement can intervene to deescalate situations and quickly return to normal operations. 

  • The PureActiv system provides detection, alerting, and proactive deterring of potential safety and security events, which helps protect lives, cargo, and critical assets. 

PureTech Systems (Fourth of Six)

  • Best Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence

  • PureActiv

  • PureActiv AI Auto-verify Analytics eliminates 95% of nuisance alarms from radar, fence sensors, and motion video analytics.

  • With expertise from 16 years of real-world deployments and cutting-edge innovation, PureTech Systems patented Video Analytics are AI Deep Learning, and Geospatially boosted, to provide among the highest probability of detection, and lowest nuisance alarm rates for electronically securing perimeters around facilities, infrastructures, and borders. 

(See how PureActiv’s deep-learning trained automated perimeter protection system includes intrusion detection, auto-verification, PTZ Auto-follow, and invoking non-lethal acoustic deterrents. Our enhanced capabilities detect, geolocate, classify and track intrusions, alerting only on verified threats ensuring near-zero nuisance alarms with market-leading detection rates. Courttesy of PureTech Systems and YouTube.)

PureTech Systems (Fifth of Six)

PureTech PureActiv
Location-based AI video analytics PureActiv, integrates with a vast array of short- & long-range perimeter sensors such as radar, buried or on-fence fiber detection systems for a fully integrated automated outdoor wide-area & perimeter protection solutions. 
    • Lower total cost of ownership when considering infrastructure cost and maintenance,

    • Effective in the most challenging of outdoor conditions.

    • Uses Convolutional, Neural Network Deep Learning, and Geo-spatial data for high fidelity classification.

    • Longest detection ranges in the industry (over 5 miles)- requires fewer cameras.

    • Higher accuracy – Industry-leading Probability of Detection and low Nuisance Alarm Rate.

    • Simplified configurations support rapid deployment.

    • Image Stabilization.

    • Autonomous PTZ camera lock-on-target tracking enhances situational awareness.

    • Object geo-location on map enhances situational awareness.

    • Combines with other detection sensors (radar, fence, ground, etc.) for most demanding applications such as nuclear power plants.

    • Seamless integration with market-leading VMS systems including Genetec,  Milestone, PureActiv AlertView, and others.

    • Easily scales to fit your needs today and tomorrow.

    • Camera agnostic- deploys on edge devices and/or servers.

PureTech Systems (Sixth of Six)

PureActiv Rapid Deploy Virtual Perimeter
A fast and effective Perimeter Intrusion Detection System for airports, borders, ports of entry, military bases, seaports and utilities.
  • The smart and effective protection system uses a wireless connection to transmit alarms and video to a co-located or remote command and control center and is enhanced with the use of radar, a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera, and optional loud hailers and light deterrents.

  • The RDVPU is equipped with PureTech’s patented AI and geospatially boosted video analytics, PureActiv, which provides among the highest probability of detection while maintaining near-zero nuisance alarms.

  • Additionally, the RDVPU is solar-powered, needing little to no backup fuel, thus providing an environmentally friendly protection system that does not require ground penetration and has no impact on local wildlife.

(PureTech’s PureActiv Rapid-Deploy Autonomous Perimeter Surveillance System (R-DAPSS) enables airports, borders, military bases, seaports, transit agencies, and utilities to quickly deploy a temporary or permanent high fidelity virtual perimeter system at substantially less cost and time than a hard-wired solution. The PureActiv R-DAPSS provides the same best-in-class level of perimeter intrusion detection, auto-verification, and automated deterrence as a hard-wired solution. Security and facility managers can secure their perimeters quickly without planning and executing a large construction project. Courtesy of PureTech Systems and YouTube.)

  • *PureTech Systems was recognized with Multiple Awards Wins in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, and also won a Platinum ‘ASTORS’ Award in the 2018 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards highlight the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

Thomas Richardson, FDNY Chief of Department; Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, President of NEC National Security Systems; and Richard Blatus, FDNY Assistant Chief of Operations at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon at ISC East.

AST Honors Thomas Richardson, FDNY Chief of Department; Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, President of NEC National Security Systems; and Richard Blatus, FDNY Assistant Chief of Operations, at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon at ISC East.

The United States was forever changed 20 years ago on September 11th, and we were fortunate to have many of those who responded to those horrific tragedies join us at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.

In the days that followed 9/11, the critical needs of protecting our country catapulted us into new and innovative ways to secure our homeland – which is how many of the agencies and enterprise organizations that are today ‘ASTORS’ Awards Champions, came into being.

Our keynote speaker TSA Administrator David Pekoske delivered a moving and timely address on the strategic priorities of the 64,000 member TSA workforce in securing the transportation system, enabling safe, and in many cases, contactless travel, and more (Be sure to see Interview.)
TSA Administrator David Pekoske addressing attendees at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon in New York City on November 17, 2021. (Be sure to see AST Exclusive Interview, facilitated by Dr. Kathleen Kiernan HERE.)

Our 2021 keynote speaker featured a moving and informative address from TSA Administrator and Vice-Admiral of the United States Coast Guard (Ret), David Pekoske; to our attendees who traveled from across the United States and abroad, on the strategic priorities of the 64,000 member TSA workforce in securing the transportation system, enabling safe, and in many cases, contactless travel.

Commissioner Bill Bratton signing copies of his latest work, ‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America,’ at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon. (Be sure to see AST Exclusive Interview with Comm Bratton, facilitated by Dr. Kathleen Kiernan HERE.)

Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton of the New York Police Department, the Boston Police Department, and former Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department was also live at the event, meeting with attendees and signing copies of his latest work ‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America,’ courtesy of the generosity of our 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Premier Sponsors.

The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by New PLATINUM SPONSOR: NEC National Security Systems (NSS), New Premier Sponsors Rajant Corporation, and guardDog AI, and returning Sponsors ATI Systems, Automatic Systems, RX Global, and SIMS Software!

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will emphasize the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2022, as well as the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. #MentorshipMatters

So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon in November of 2022 in New York City!

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Access Control/ Identification Personal/Protective Equipment Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism
Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System Interagency Interdiction Operation Cloud Computing/Storage Solution
Facial/IRIS Recognition Body Worn Video Product Cyber Security
Video Surveillance/VMS Mobile Technology Anti-Malware
Audio Analytics Disaster Preparedness ID Management
Thermal/Infrared Camera Mass Notification System Fire & Safety
Metal/Weapon Detection Rescue Operations Critical Infrastructure
License Plate Recognition Detection Products COVID Innovations
Workforce Management Government Security Programs And Many Others to Choose From!

Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?

Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

Team TSA
Honoring the 20th anniversary of the Transportation Security Administration (Team TSA at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon.)

In 2021 over 200 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields which included:

Register for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Luncheon Today

In a typical year, DEAC Sabatino oversees the facilitation of legitimate travel for more than 410 million travelers in the air, land, and maritime environments.
Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane J. Sabatino of the Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

American Security Today is delighted to announce, that Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane J. Sabatino of the Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will be the opening keynote speaker at the much-anticipated 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon, on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022.

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Seventh Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

To take advantage of this exclusive luncheon opportunity to invite your team, guests, clients, and show visitors to a gourmet, affordable, plated meal event in the heart of New York City, for a fabulous networking opportunity!

Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your seat or reserve a table. ***Limited space available so Register Today. There will be no on-site registrations.

The 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program surpassed expectations with a record number of nominations received from industry leaders and government agencies, and drew over 200 attendees to the ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Banquet – an exclusive gourmet luncheon and networking opportunity which filled to capacity, before having to turn away late registrants.

Your ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon registration includes complimentary attendee access to ISC East where you can meet the world’s most innovative suppliers and cyber experts, immerse yourself in hands-on tech and learn from world-renowned speakers and thought-leaders.

Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

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AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.
AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.

AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

American Security Today

These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local level as well as from private firms allied to the government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

(See just a few highlights of American Security Today’s 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon at ISC East. Courtesy of My Pristine Images and Vimeo.)

To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, please see the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2021 ‘A Year in Review’.

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of Annual ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.

It serves as your Go-To Source throughout the year for The Best of 2021 Products and Services endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

  • For a complete list of 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, begin HERE.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

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