28 October 2025 – Birchwood Park Golf & Country Club in Dartford has taken a major step forward in member and guest safety with the introduction of cutting-edge pool safety technology designed to support lifeguards and enhance real-time monitoring at its popular swimming facilities.
The club, operated by Burhill Group Limited (BGL), has installed the Lynxight AI Pool Safety System, an advanced camera-based monitoring solution that uses artificial intelligence to identify potential risks within seconds and alert staff instantly via smartwatch notifications.
Developed to work alongside trained lifeguards rather than replace them, the system provides an additional layer of reassurance for everyone using the club’s pool. Intelligent algorithms continuously analyse swimmer movement and pool activity, helping staff detect potential incidents early and respond swiftly and appropriately.
Birchwood Park General Manager Stephen Norton said:
“The safety and wellbeing of our members and guests is our top priority. The introduction of the Lynxight system gives our team greater visibility and confidence when managing the pool, particularly during our busiest times. It is already proving to be an invaluable tool in helping us respond even faster and maintain the highest safety standards.”
The technology categorises alerts by risk level: red for high risk, yellow for caution, and blue for advisory. This allows the team to focus on what matters most in real time. Live activity is also displayed on reception monitors, ensuring the wider team is instantly informed and ready to assist when needed.
Beyond live monitoring, the system gathers valuable operational data, such as swimmer counts, heatmaps of pool usage, and lane occupancy trends. These insights help the club refine staffing, programming, and safety management, improving the overall experience for all members.
During its soft launch earlier this year, the system quickly demonstrated its value. Lifeguards reported increased confidence on shift, with the technology detecting potential safety issues even during high-traffic sessions such as aqua classes.
Guy Riggott, Chief Operating Officer of BGL Golf, said:
“This is a brilliant example of how technology can support our people in delivering safe, high-quality leisure experiences. Birchwood Park has always been one of our most forward-thinking venues, and it is fantastic to see the team embracing innovation that directly benefits members and guests. The Lynxight system sets a new benchmark for pool safety in our sector.”
Birchwood Park’s move reflects BGL’s ongoing commitment to innovation, safety, and operational excellence across its portfolio of golf and leisure venues. From new sustainability measures to advanced member technology, the group continues to invest in ways that enhance customer experience and support staff in their roles.
The new system forms part of a wider focus on health and wellbeing at Birchwood Park, which offers a comprehensive range of leisure and fitness facilities including a fully equipped gym, indoor swimming pool, rest & relaxation, and inviting restaurant and bar areas that provide a welcoming setting for members, guests, and the wider community. Located on Birchwood Road in Dartford, Birchwood Park Golf & Country Club is also home to two beautifully maintained golf courses, including a scenic 18-hole parkland course and a shorter 9-hole layout ideal for beginners and families. With a modern driving range and academy offering lessons for all abilities, the club combines first-class golf with premium leisure facilities to create one of Kent’s leading destinations for sport, fitness, and relaxation. To find out more about the club’s facilities and membership options, visit www.birchwoodparkgc.co.uk.
