Drowning at Da'an Sports Center: Taipei City Says Anti-Drowning Detection System Did Not Trigger Alarm

(Central News Agency, reporters Yang Shu-min and Huang Li-yun, Taipei, 8th) Taipei City Councilor Keng Wei questioned the use of the anti-drowning detection system at the Da'an Sports Center following a drowning incident. The Department of Sports explained that the incident occurred in a corner of the pool, and the system did not trigger an alarm. Mayor Chiang Wan-an promised to strengthen education and training, emphasizing a human-first, AI-assisted approach.

During the city council's general question-and-answer session today, Kuomintang councilor Keng Wei questioned the Da'an Sports Center, which was re-tendered and fully renovated in 2023 and touted as using a pool anti-drowning detection system. A recent drowning incident occurred when other swimmers noticed a shadow in the water, prompting a lifeguard to jump in and pull the victim out, but the person died despite being rushed to the hospital. Keng questioned whether the incident was due to equipment failure or human error.

Director of the Department of Sports, You Chu-ping, stated that the number and content of personnel deployments met regulations, and the relevant system is meant to assist lifeguards in early detection and rescue. Indeed, the incident occurred in a corner, and the system did not trigger an alarm. The department has asked the manufacturer to understand how to optimize the system. The lifeguard's actions are under judicial investigation.

Keng Wei speculated whether the AI system caused staff to focus on monitoring screens rather than the actual pool area. She noted that three years have passed since 2023, and daily usage reviews should have been conducted, but no improvements were made. She held the manufacturer, the sports center, and the city government's oversight responsible.

Mayor Chiang Wan-an stated that lifeguard patrols are still essential, and safety maintenance must primarily rely on this method. The AI detection system is only a supplementary tool. Regarding this case, the city government will clarify whether there were any special circumstances in the management of the venue.

Keng Wei expressed concern that the collaboration between AI and humans will increase in the future and that personnel education and training should be strengthened. Mayor Chiang Wan-an agreed, stating that the most important thing is to rely on the original safety personnel to monitor the venue with full concentration. He pledged to strengthen employee education and training in the future. (Editor: Xiao Bowen) 1150608