The Fall Alert algorithm detects a rapid drop in motion followed by a complete loss of signal — the signature of a lifeguard sinking too deep for the water sensor signal to escape the pool. The sensitivity of this detection is configurable per Alert Station, which lets you tune the system to your specific facility without generating unnecessary false alerts.

Accessing the sensitivity setting

Go to Devices in the dashboard and click the gear icon on the Alert Station you want to configure. In the device settings panel, find the Fall Sensitivity slider under Functions. The scale runs from 0 to 9.

• Higher values increase sensitivity — the system declares a Fall Alert more readily
• Lower values reduce sensitivity — the system requires a more pronounced drop event before declaring
• Setting sensitivity to 0 disables Fall Alert detection for that Alert Station entirely

When to reduce sensitivity

The most common cause of false Fall Alerts is a lifeguard walking quickly out of the Alert Station's direct signal range. The rapid signal loss can mimic a fall event. If you are seeing frequent false Fall Alerts from a specific Alert Station:

• Reduce the Fall Sensitivity setting for that station
• For Alert Stations not located near a pool area (front desk, lobby, etc.), set sensitivity to 0 — Fall Alert detection is not meaningful for non-aquatic zones

When to keep sensitivity higher

For Alert Stations covering deep-water pool areas — competition pools, diving areas, open-water adjacency — keep sensitivity at or near the default setting. These are the environments where a genuine Fall Alert is most likely needed.

Coverage gaps and false alerts

If reducing sensitivity does not resolve persistent false alerts, the root cause may be signal range rather than sensitivity. A lifeguard moving out of range quickly creates the same signal pattern as a fall. Adding Rescue Repeaters to extend coverage and reduce range gaps often resolves this more effectively than sensitivity adjustments alone. Contact support@punchrescue.com to discuss.