Bristol Harbourside Cameras Save Drowners

Thermal imaging cameras at Bristol Harbourside saves two people from drowning.

17:52 08 April 2019

Thermal imaging cameras at Bristol Harbourside have saved two people from drowning after falling into the water. The life-saving system has been installed at locations near bars and clubs in the waterfront. It uses sensors that draw a virtual barrier line across the water’s edge and send signal to Bristol City Council’s control centre when the line is breached.

 

The system was installed after 31 people drowned in Bristol between 2012 and 2017. The scheme is a result of the partnership between Bristol City Council and the University of Bristol. 

 

Alinka Gurgul, a mother who lost her son to drowning in May 2017, welcomed the new system.

 

"If they can pinpoint somebody straight away and save their life, then that's good," she said.

 

"If the unfortunate happens, at least they can get their loved one back without the agony of not knowing or waiting, like we had to do."