Sports facility Swimming pools in Neufeld to be monitored by cameras in future

The swimming pools at the Neufeld indoor swimming pool will be under video surveillance in future. This is intended to increase the safety of bathers. The Bern City Council approved a motion to this effect on Thursday.

With 61 votes in favor and three abstentions, the council clearly approved the motion. The cameras are not to be installed underwater, but on the ceiling above the three swimming pools and the whirlpool and children's play area, according to the statement.

The images will be analyzed by an artificial intelligence system on a local server. No data is collected. If the system detects an emergency, the pool staff receive a message on a special smartwatch.

Nik Eugster (FDP), representing the Social Affairs, Education and Culture Committee, said that the system is not a replacement for pool supervisors, but additional support. No savings would be made on staff.

The acquisition costs for the system amount to CHF 110,000. They are part of the construction loan for the Neufeld indoor swimming pool. In addition, around 20,000 francs are incurred annually for operation and maintenance. These operating costs are part of the annual heating and operating costs bill for the Neufeld indoor swimming pool.

The new camera system is to be put into operation after the published general decree of the city council comes into force following the summer revision in 2024.