A computer saved a girl's life. A 10-ear-old girl has been saved from drowning by a computer system designed to raise the alarm when swimmers are having problems. Video cameras showed that soon after entering the water, 10-year-old Sandra Richards fell unconscious and sank to the bottom of the pool. Within 10 seconds the computer system sounded an alarm and identified her position to the lifeguards. She was then rescued by Rachel Thomas, one of the lifeguards on duty. The $100,000 system had been installed because offears that the pool was very difficult to watch and so could be dangerous. "It's sometimes difficult to see what's happening," said Rachel Thomas. "The light comes in through the window and reflects off the water. It is also often very busy, and with lots of people swimming it can be difficult to see the bottom of the pool." This is the first time the system has been needed since it was installed five years ago. Terry, Sandra's father, is understandably very pleased with the system. "There is no doubt that the system saved my daughter's life. I'm sure the lifeguards would have noticed her, but it might have been too late."