Drone Saves Drowning Swimmers for First Time Ever
The lifeguards piloting the drone were being trained on how to use the device when beachgoers alerted them to the teens who needed rescuing.
Lifeguards in Australia pulled off a daring ocean rescue this week—without needing to get in the water.
Two teenage boys got caught in rough surf near Lennox Head, a coastal town in northern New South Wales. A rip tide had pulled them far from shore. They were struggling with nine-foot-tall waves, which aren’t easy to maneuver around by boat.
A person on the beach saw them struggling and alerted the lifeguards.
At the time, the lifeguards were in the middle of their training to use the Westpac Little Ripper Lifesaver drone. Supervisor Jai Sheridan seized the opportunity to put the drone into action and piloted it over to the struggling teens.
Once the drone was about a half mile above them, it dropped an inflatable boat into the water. The struggling swimmers grabbed onto it and swam to shore, where they were safe but very tired.
The rescue took one to two minutes, Sheridan told the Sydney Morning Herald, which is much faster than a traditional rescue. When the beach’s lifeguards swim out into the water to rescue people, it typically takes a few minutes longer.
The local government says this is the first such rescue in the world.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- This fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then dieThis fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then die
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
Environment
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- How fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitionsHow fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitions
- Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
History & Culture
- Hawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowersHawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowers
- When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
- When America's first ladies brought séances to the White HouseWhen America's first ladies brought séances to the White House
Science
- Should you be concerned about bird flu in your milk?Should you be concerned about bird flu in your milk?
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
Travel
- On this Croatian peninsula, traditions are securing locals' futuresOn this Croatian peninsula, traditions are securing locals' futures
- Are Italy's 'problem bears' a danger to travellers?Are Italy's 'problem bears' a danger to travellers?
- How to navigate Nantes’ arts and culture scene
- Paid Content
How to navigate Nantes’ arts and culture scene - This striking city is home to some of Spain's most stylish hotelsThis striking city is home to some of Spain's most stylish hotels