Sightbit deploys AI on beaches to help lifeguards spot distressed swimmers

Drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death, according to World Health & Fitness Organization (WHO) data, with an estimated 320,000 fatalities each year globally. While lifeguards play a crucial role in helping safeguard beaches and pools, the human eye struggles to spot swimmers in distress in large crowds or at a distance — with or…

Drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death, according to World Health & Fitness Organization (WHO) data, with an estimated 320,000 fatalities each year globally. While lifeguards play a crucial role in helping safeguard beaches and pools, the human eye struggles to spot swimmers in distress in large crowds or at a distance — with or without the help of binoculars. Sightbit is harnessing AI to alert lifeguards to potential drowning incidents, as well as flagging other hazardous situations, such as unattended children and rip currents.

Founded in 2019, Israel-based Sightbit is a spinout from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). The public research university invests in alumni via its Cactus Capital VC fund and has provided pre-seed funding to Sightbit, which is currently raising additional funds as part of a seed round. “Investors around the world have reached out to us, and we have already received funding offers,” Sightbit cofounder and CEO Netanel Eliav said.

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