YMCA of Middle Tennessee Rolls Out Drowning Detection System

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   The YMCA of Middle Tennessee has announced a substantial investment in AngelEye, a state-of-the-art water safety monitoring system, for its indoor swimming pools.

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   AngelEye is an advanced drowning detection system that uses a combination of patented motion-activated underwater and above-water cameras to detect and analyze swimmer movements and provide real-time notifications to safety personnel if a possible swimmer in distress is detected.

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   The YMCA of Middle Tennessee first piloted AngelEye in late 2025.

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   Based on the pilot’s performance, the YMCA of Middle Tennessee decided to deploy AngelEye technology across all 12 of its family wellness centers.

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   Installations of AngelEye are scheduled for the Sumner County, Franklin, and Robertson County Family YMCAs throughout May 2026.

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   Each AngelEye system will undergo up to 30 days of testing after installation to include information gathering and learning by the technology before being fully incorporated into lifeguarding procedures.

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   The first round of AngelEye installations coincided with National Water Safety Month, an annual observance in May that promotes water safety awareness.

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   The YMCA of Middle Tennessee anticipates completing installation of AngelEye for all its indoor pools by the end of 2026.

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   The AngelEye system operates on a closed, secure network designed to protect swimmer privacy.

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    Images captured by the AngelEye system are used solely for drowning detection and response and, when applicable, for lifeguard training purposes.

11. Holly Sanders, executive director of risk management

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    "AngelEye is a proactive tool we are excited to incorporate to support our lifeguards, but it is not designed to replace them," said Holly Sanders, executive director of risk management for the YMCA of Middle Tennessee.

12. Holly Sanders, executive director of risk management

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    "Providing a safe environment for our members and guests is always our top priority, and this is just another important investment to help ensure individuals who visit our centers feel safe in our pools."

13. Holly Sanders, executive director of risk management

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    Holly Sanders stated that while use of AngelEye could one day be considered for outdoor pools, the YMCA’s priority is to implement the technology indoors, where pools operate year-round.

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    AngelEye is broadly used in Europe but is new to the United States.

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    The YMCA of Middle Tennessee is the third organization in the U.S. to incorporate AngelEye technology into its safety and risk management operations.

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    The YMCA of Middle Tennessee is the second YMCA association in the United States to deploy this type of drowning detection technology.

17. Gianluca Marcato, director of operations at AngelEye

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    "We are proud to partner with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee as it continues to invest in the safety of its members, guests and staff," said Gianluca Marcato, director of operations at AngelEye.

18. Gianluca Marcato, director of operations at AngelEye

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    "We see drowning detection technology as part of the natural evolution of aquatic safety. Much like seat belts were once a new layer of protection, and later became a normal part of everyday safety, we believe technologies like AngelEye can help define the next standard for safer aquatic environments."

19. Gianluca Marcato, director of operations at AngelEye

    Relevance: supporting · Type: quote

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    "AngelEye is designed to support, not replace, trained lifeguards through real-time monitoring and alerts when a potential swimmer in distress is detected."