Swimmers filmed underwater at Melton leisure centre

Everyone Active, the firm which runs centre said the cameras had been installed to improve safety.

The aim of the ‘drowning detection system’, which was installed in December, is to alert staff at an early opportunity to swimmers who are or might be in difficulty.

Matthew Hopkin, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “A drowning detection system was installed at Waterfield Leisure Centre in December, and signage in the centre has been changed to notify customers.

“These systems are being rolled out in a number of Everyone Active’s centres with the aim of enhancing safety.

“Cameras are used to monitor the pool and detect a lack of or irregular movement in the water.

“Should anyone get into difficulty when swimming, the system will alert lifeguards and aid them in providing safe and timely assistance.”

Mr Hopkin added: “By enhancing visibility underneath the water surface, the system can also help to combat natural factors that can impede a lifeguard’s view of the pool, such as glare and reflection.”

He said the footage will not be stored longer than seven days.

“We want all customers to feel safe and secure when using our centre,” said Mr Hopkin.

“Images from the drowning detection system are only viewed in real-time by the lifeguard on pool duty, and access to the recorded images is restricted to senior managers who would only ever review the footage if there was an incident that required them to do so.

“All data collected by the system is subject to General Data Protection Regulations. In line with this, footage is stored for a maximum of seven days.

“During this time all data remains on site in a locked cabinet. It is located on a closed and segregated network, protected by firewalls and multiple passwords and is automatically deleted after the seven day period.”