Drowning Prevention Technology
Water safety is the top priority for our aquatics staff. Despite rigorous training and certification, drowning remains a concern—even with diligent lifeguards on duty. WAVE uses Bluetooth to monitor swimmers in real time. If a swimmer’s face is submerged for too long, the system sends an alert to lifeguards, allowing them to respond quickly and intervene if needed.
WAVE at Marshall Pool
Beginning May 12, WAVE headsets will be required for all swimmers ages 12 and under at Public Swims and Splash Away Swims. Research shows that children in this age group are at the highest risk for drowning, which is why this measure is essential for their safety. Swimmers who pass the Marshall Pool swim test are exempt from the requirement. Swim tests are administered by lifeguards and assess a child’s ability to swim unassisted. Swim tests can be requested at any scheduled Public Swim or Splash Away Swim.
Though WAVE headsets are required for children 12 and under, this system is available to all swimmers at Marshall Pool. The technology can help protect everyone, especially in unexpected situations or medical emergencies. WAVE headsets are available on the pool deck for anyone to use, and our aquatics staff is ready to assist with fitting the headsets for both safety and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does WAVE work?
WAVE uses Bluetooth technology to operate in the background while lifeguards watch over their swimmers. Before entering the pool, swimmers are provided with a wearable headset called a “Tracker” that automatically connects to wristbands worn by the lifeguards on duty.
If the Tracker is underwater for more than 15 seconds, an alarm will sound, and lifeguards will receive an alert on the WAVE wristband they wear while they are on duty. If a lifeguard jumps into the water, WAVE will trigger an additional alarm in the pool office to instantly signify additional staff are needed on the pool deck.
These automatic alerts create quicker response times and reduce the likelihood of drowning.
What is a Tracker?
Trackers are lightweight devices that swimmers put on before entering the pool and wear throughout their time in the water.
WAVE Trackers have no buttons and automatically activate when worn. They have been tested on thousands of swimmers and most people forget they’re wearing a Tracker after just a few minutes.
Swimmers should remove their Tracker when they exit the water and return it to the storage tower located on the pool deck. If a Tracker falls off during use it will float for easy retrieval.
Visit the WAVE FAQ webpage for more information.
Are WAVE Trackers safe?
Visit the WAVE FAQ webpage for more information.
Do WAVE Trackers work on children? Do they just fall off?
Just like getting into the habit of wearing a helmet before getting on a bike, most people forget they’re wearing a Tracker after a few minutes. Help your child understand that WAVE is being used to make swimming as safe as it can be, and they will follow your lead.
If a Tracker does fall off while swimming, it will float so you can locate it and put it back on easily.
Will WAVE replace lifeguard staff or reduce the total number of lifeguards needed?
No. WAVE does not replace responsible human supervision, it is designed to support and empower trained lifeguards in their work.
Why is WAVE being used at Marshall Pool?
Marshall Pool is a deep-water pool, which presents greater risks for swimmers compared to more shallow leisure pools like Firstenburg Pool. The depth of the water can make it more challenging for swimmers to stay above the surface, especially in the event of an emergency. WAVE technology enhances safety by monitoring swimmers in real-time and alerting lifeguards if a swimmer’s face is submerged for an unsafe amount of time. This extra layer of protection helps ensure a swift response if needed, keeping all swimmers as safe as possible in a deeper water environment.
What if I need to request an accommodation for myself or my child?
Every child is encouraged to attempt to use the WAVE Tracker. Aquatics staff are available to answer questions and help ensure it is positioned well for safety and comfort. If wearing a Tracker is not possible for your child, please visit the Marshall Community Center front desk to complete the opt-out waiver.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals based upon a disability or perceived disability and reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified persons with disabilities. Learn more about City of Vancouver Inclusion Services.
