AI Tool Developed to Identify Rip Currents on Australian Beaches
Summary
Australian researchers have developed an AI-powered mobile device called Rip Eye to identify dangerous rip currents from sea images within seconds. The tool will be tested at Surf Life Saving Clubs this summer to improve public awareness and support rescue operations.
Key Points
- Researchers at the University of New South Wales developed a mobile AI device called Rip Eye to detect potential rip currents from coastal images.
- The system uses image analysis and an interactive game to teach the public how to recognize dangerous currents.
- Rip currents caused 47 percent of beach drowning incidents listed in Australia’s 2025 National Drowning Report.
- The device reportedly identifies rip currents correctly about 80 percent of the time and will be tested at selected Surf Life Saving Clubs in Australia.
