Safety Corner: Enhanced Aquatic Monitoring Using Video and Artificial Intelligence

Attractions are increasingly turning to advanced technologies to ensure monitoring in areas that were never imagined before. One such innovation is the Aquatic Vigilance System (EAVS) by Ellis International, a surveillance solution that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and video analytics. Together, they support drowning prevention and incident management at water parks and at other attractions.

EAVS uses a network of high-resolution H5 analytic cameras—including thermal imaging—to monitor pools, decks, and adjacent spaces with full 360-degree coverage, both day and night. At Roaring Springs Waterpark in Meridian, Idaho—the first outdoor waterpark in the United States to implement EAVS—57 cameras deliver more than 100 unique visual perspectives. Two dedicated control rooms operate continuously during park hours. Both are staffed with trained operators who rotate every 20 minutes to ensure attentiveness and reduce fatigue. These operators can alert lifeguard supervisors in the field via radios and mobile devices.

The addition of EAVS has not replaced lifeguards. Rather, it adds a second layer of monitoring designed to complement human observation with real-time data and incident detection. Tiffany Watts, chief marketing officer of Roaring Springs, explains this dual-coverage system enhances communication and helps create a safer, less stressful working environment for frontline staff.

EAVS has also led to adjustments in Roaring Springs’ staff training practices. Previously reliant on content from other facilities, the park now trains staff using archived situational footage specific to their own venue. “Being able to have content that is specific to the areas/zones/facility your employees will be working in is much more valuable,” says Watts.

Benjamin Strong, COO of Ellis International, explains the EAVs technology can be tailored for more than just water parks. “The system’s scalable design allows for effective implementation in family entertainment centers (FECs), queue lines, midways, other high-traffic areas, and even security.”

Roaring Springs extended EAVS' capabilities throughout the park to include game rooms and walkways. AI-powered behavior analysis now supports proactive intervention and risk assessment across the property. “The camera coverage has helped us see other incidents that happen in the park and might not be in the water,” shares Watts, who cites examples such as slips and falls while entering and exiting pools, theft, horseplay, and altercations between guests.

Installation of EAVS generally takes 30 to 45 days, depending on facility needs. The implementation process includes site assessment, IT and hardware integration, and customized staff training. The system adaptable for broader use cases, including occupancy tracking, geolocation, contact tracing, and chemical monitoring. It is designed to be scalable and suitable for both new construction and retrofit scenarios. “The system’s advanced AI-driven analytics have not only enhanced real-time monitoring but have also provided invaluable data, leading to a deeper understanding of human behaviors and risk factors in aquatic environments,” says Strong. An example of the data’s insights demonstrates how variables like wave action or water depth can influence guest responses. These insights can inform future safety protocols and help shape a more proactive safety culture in aquatic environments.