Our scenic coastline, famous for our beaches, breathtaking scenery, rugged cliffs and, of course, the Blowhole, has also been the site of heartbreaking tragedy.

Over the past 15 years, 11 people have lost their lives around the Blowhole area — making it the second-most deadly rock fishing location in NSW, behind South Sydney’s Little Bay.

Visitors are often not aware conditions can change dramatically and unpredictable waves have repeatedly claimed lives, including a double fatality less than a year ago when a father and son were swept from the rocks near the Blowhole.

In response, Surf Life Saving NSW has launched a bold experiment: a 14‑month trial of artificial‑intelligence‑powered cameras designed to detect when a person is washed into the water and potentially alert rescuers within seconds.

The Surveillance AI for Lifesaving (SAIL) initiative continuously scans the coastline, counting how many people are present on the rocks.

If that number suddenly drops, the AI detects that someone may have fallen into the ocean - triggering an instant notification to the State Operations Centre for review of camera footage.

This new technology means lifesavers no longer have to rely solely on bystanders or chance to know when someone is in trouble.

“The cameras are able to track movement and recognise when a person goes from standing on the rocks to being in the surf,” said Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce.

He summarises the benefits simply by saying “it gives us crucial time to respond - the difference between rescue and recovery”.

Kiama Council has embraced the SAIL project as a vital investment in public safety, and it’s telling that our community is one of two where this trial is taking place.

Mayor Cameron McDonald said: “Anything that helps protect people in and around our coastline is welcome. Kiama is proud to lead on an innovation that could save countless lives.”

While artificial intelligence often sparks public debate over fears of job loss and the displacement of human effort, this project demonstrates the opposite - how technology can enhance and empower human action rather than replace it.

As Surf Life Saving NSW continues to adopt drone technology, shark detection AI, and rip‑current monitoring tools, its mission remains deeply human: saving lives through faster action, smarter systems and stronger community safety.

Here at The Bugle, we will put our hand up and say we have been critical (on a fair number of occasions) of investments and initiatives that Kiama Council have embarked upon.

After all, we are here to report and provide a view that is fearless and to tell it like it is.

Equally, when Council can work behind the scenes and secure innovative solutions to genuinely serious problems, we as a community should acknowledge that, too.

No matter how many warning signs, fences or measures are put in place at the Blowhole – human nature is curious and adventurous, and this can be disastrous.

The Bugle’s View is that Council and Surf Life Saving NSW should be congratulated for implementing this breakthrough technology – any efforts that can prevent the senseless loss of life is a fantastic initiative.