A state of the art drowning detection system, which uses underwater and overhead cameras to detect swimmers in trouble, has been launched in western Sydney.

In a first for Australia, the $300,000 Poseidon pool system has been installed in the Blacktown Leisure Centre.

The system uses a network of cameras above and below the water, and computer software, to analyse movements of all swimmers in a pool.

It gives an audible alarm when a swimmer is judged to be in trouble, alerting lifeguards within 10 seconds.

At the launch on Saturday NSW Emergency Services Minister Nathan Rees said the Poseidon would provide a valuable third eye to lifesavers.

"The technology overcomes many of the challenges lifeguards traditionally face such as crowded pools, noise and glare," he said.

"This device will go some way towards making people feel safer ... and hopefully protecting lives."

The Poseidon system has been funded by Blacktown City Council and the Royal Lifesaving Society.

Mr Rees said there were no plans as yet to install the system in other pools across NSW.