YMCA | Evolving Consumer

Health Clubs Turn to Smart Towels to Cut Down on Theft

No health club is complete without complimentary towel service. Not only is it needed for sanitary reasons, but it’s also a nice amenity that keeps gym goers happy. But what happens when towel theft runs rampant at your local gym? For many health clubs, it means turning to technology for help.

And we can’t blame them. With prices that range from 50 cents to more than $2 (depending on the size and quality of the towel), a gym can lose as much as $50,000 per year if towel theft is left unchecked, as it did in one YMCA in northern New Jersey. Continue reading Health Clubs Turn to Smart Towels to Cut Down on Theft

AmpliVox Sound Systems to Come Through Loud and Clear for YMCA

This week AmpliVox Sound Systems announced that as part of its “Speak Up America!” public service initiative, the company would support the North Suburban YMCA of Northbrook, Illinois. As part of this commitment, AmpliVox will donate $15 to the NSYMCA for every megaphone sold between now and December 31, 2011.

We hear them loud and clear and AmpliVox CEO Don Roth noted, “We support the wide range of community services provided by the Y. AmpliVox is speaking up for all the teachers, community members and volunteers who encourage and inspire kids at the Y every day. This is a grassroots effort to support the Y’s work in the community.”

The “Speak Up America!” donation will help go towards the Y’s Strong Kids scholarship fund that enables financially disadvantaged families to participate in Y programs. Kudos to AmpliVox for speaking out and helping with this cause.

North Suburban YMCA Official Website
AmpliVox Sound System Official Website

Poseidon in the Pool

The Greek God Poseidon ruled over the water, and now technology bearing his name is being used in some YMCA pools to help monitor swimmers. CBS42.com is reporting that this technology utilizes three cameras in each corner of the pool, along with software to detect when there is no motion. This is used in conjunction with actual lifeguards.

The computer-aided drowning detection system is being called a lifeguard’s third eye that never blinks. It can analyze activity in the pool, and in water that is less than nine feet deep can work simply with overhead cameras. It can also aid lifeguards to a simmer in trouble. It uses a network of small, digital cameras that can quickly identify situations that could be life-threatening, such as when a person is motionless underwater.

Poseidon Official Site
[Via CBS42.com: Poseidon of the Pool]