Rip-current AI tool heads for lifesaving trials, with safety limits

UNSW and Surf Life Saving Australia are trialling RipEye, a tool that uses artificial intelligence to identify possible rip currents in beach photographs. Selected lifesaving clubs will test it during the summer, according to UNSW and ABC News.

RipEye combines an image-scanning tool with a game that teaches users to spot rips. Researchers report detection accuracy of around 80 per cent, which means the tool can miss hazards or identify them incorrectly.

UNSW says the technology does not guarantee that an area of water is safe. The trial will examine how it could support education, training and patrol decisions. A wider public release is a future goal, not a reason to replace lifesaver advice or treat an unflagged area as safe.