Safety and technology are at the core of what we do, but people always come first. Today marks the beginning of a new series dedicated to those who use AngelEye technology every day across our installations.
We start in the municipality of Bærum, Norway, with a swimming complex opened in August 2021. The facility includes a 50×25 meter pool with a movable floor ranging from 0 to 200 cm, as well as a recreational pool with water temperatures between 32 and 34°C, both equipped with the AngelEye LifeGuard system.
Emir Taslizda is 54 years old and has two daughters, aged 20 and 14. He is originally from Mostar (Yugoslavia). He has spent his career working as a lifeguard in Germany and Norway, with a background in sports science and a lifelong passion for football: AS Roma.
More than five years after opening, how do you feel about working at Bærum Idrettspark, Emir?
“I feel like I’m in paradise. For someone like me, who loves sports, this place offers not only outstanding state-of-the-art swimming facilities, but also a wide range of services and equipment to train and practice sports at a high level. I feel fulfilled here and can finally put into practice everything I’ve learned throughout my education and professional career.”
Speaking about safety, both in and out of the water, can you describe a challenging situation you’ve had to manage?
“I’ve been very lucky. So far, in more than five years working as a lifeguard, I haven’t encountered particularly difficult situations to manage. This applies both to water safety and to managing people outside the pool: there haven’t been any critical situations.
Especially when it comes to dealing with guests, I’ve never found myself in dangerous situations. Maybe it’s because I’m quite tall and physically well prepared, or simply a matter of luck.”
Since the pandemic, sports facilities around the world have had to deal with new and strict safety protocols. What has been your experience in Bærum?
“Bærum was open from April to August 2021 only for the Norwegian Olympic team training and for schools. Then, from August 2021, we opened to the public.
Despite the restrictions, we didn’t experience major issues. This is partly because we were well organised with practical and efficient protocols, and also because we relied on technology to manage restrictions. For example, with AngelEye SafeGuard we can monitor maximum pool capacity and receive real-time alerts when there are too many people in the water. This has been a great support for us lifeguards.”
How has technology supported safety, and how has your daily work changed compared to the past?
“Technology makes our job easier. With the AngelEye LifeGuard system, installed in our two pools with 32 underwater cameras in the main pool and 4 in the smaller one, we benefit from an additional layer of safety without having to stay fixed in one position. Thanks to our smartwatches, we can move freely around the pool area.
I also have to be honest: at first, I was quite skeptical about drowning detection systems. But over time, using it every day, I realised that I feel safer the moment I start my shift, put on my watch and step into position.”
Thank you, Emir, for sharing your perspective. We wish you all the best as you continue your journey at Bærum Idrettspark, bringing your passion to safety on the front line every day.
