AI Detecting Riptides in Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz Computer Science Professor, Alex Pang, and his team have developed a potential life-saving AI system to detect rip tides, inspired by the tragic loss of two UCSD students to rip currents in 2015. The motivation behind the project intensified when Pang lost friends to rip currents around the same time. Recognizing the danger of these fast-moving channels of water, the team employed machine learning and algorithms to create a tool that identifies rip tides based on wave monitoring cameras.

The goal is to provide a valuable tool for lifeguards and first responders. Engineering student Fahim Khan is working on developing the system into a user-friendly app, aiming to make it accessible to the general public and potentially benefit other areas such as coastal erosion and rising sea levels.

Alex & team have been invited to display at a Demo Table at AI Horizons Part 2.