In coastal communities across America, drone technology is changing how emergency responders conduct ocean rescues.
In this article we will talk about how one small beach town has become a leader in using unmanned aircraft systems for lifesaving operations, and what other communities can learn from their groundbreaking work.
DRONES IN ACTION: COASTAL RESCUE CAPABILITIES
Oak Island, a 10-mile coastal community, is an unexpected pioneer in drone-based emergency response. With no lifeguards on their beaches and a “swim at your own risk” policy, they’ve developed an impressive drone program that has proven its worth through numerous successful rescues.
The program operates as a fully integrated part of their emergency response system. When calls come in about distressed swimmers, drones are dispatched alongside traditional resources, sometimes arriving at the scene first. In 2024 alone, they responded to 60 ocean rescue calls, achieving 17 successful saves and deploying personal flotation devices (PFDs) from drones in 7 critical situations.
TECHNOLOGY THAT SAVES LIVES
At the core of this innovative program is the M30T drone platform, specifically designed for public safety applications.
This system offers remarkable capabilities:
- PFD Deployment System: Rather than waiting for rescue swimmers to reach victims (which can take precious minutes), drones can deploy auto-inflating personal flotation devices in less than half the time. The system can carry two PFDs simultaneously, allowing rescuers to drop one in front and one behind a struggling swimmer being moved by currents.
- Advanced Marking and Communication: When someone is caught in a rip current, visibility becomes a major challenge. Drones serve as aerial markers for ground rescue teams and use onboard speaker systems to communicate with potential victims. This capability has proven valuable in determining whether a distant swimmer is actually in distress, often preventing unnecessary deployment of additional resources.
- Multiple Payload Options: Beyond PFDs, the drone system can deploy:
- Traditional rescue tubes
- “Stop the bleed” and Narcan kits
- A 2.1-pound FDA-approved AED (the lightest on the market)
- Communication devices like VHF radios and phones
- Advanced Imaging Technology : Using thermal cameras and high-powered zoom capabilities, operators can locate missing persons in challenging conditions, including bodies of water. The system includes laser range-finding and GPS coordinate sharing through QR codes, allowing ground teams to navigate to precise locations.
BEYOND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The drone program’s value extends beyond immediate rescue operations.
It has become an integral part of the community’s proactive safety measures:
- Rip Current Warning System: The town instituted a flag system at beach access points indicating current ocean conditions. By monitoring conditions with drones, they can update these warnings in real-time. Local businesses have embraced this system, displaying the same color codes, and electronic signs at busy access points now provide current condition information.
- Community Education: Through public outreach and visible presence, the drone program has helped educate visitors about water safety. The uniformed drone team operates clearly marked equipment, helping distinguish official public safety operations from recreational drone users.
- Multi-Departmental Resource: While housed within the fire department, the drone unit serves multiple town departments, including police, fire, and emergency management. The technology is also used for documenting projects, recording events, and creating content for public communications.
KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION
For communities considering similar programs, several factors have contributed to this program’s success:
- Leadership Buy-In: Full support from town management, council members, and department chiefs was crucial. When leadership witnessed firsthand how drone technology improved response times and safety outcomes, they committed to expanding the program from part-time to full-time status.
- Community Support: By celebrating successes and transparently communicating the program’s purpose, public support has grown steadily. Rather than viewing drones with suspicion, residents now see them as valuable public safety tools.
- Regional Collaboration: The program participates in a regional drone group that trains together biweekly, sharing knowledge and resources across jurisdictions.
- Investment in Appropriate Equipment: Rather than settling for basic consumer drones, the town invested in purpose-built public safety platforms with the specific capabilities needed for their environment.
- Continuous Training: The team practices deployment regularly, ensuring they can attach specialized equipment quickly when seconds count.
REAL-WORLD IMPACT
The impact of this technology is measured in lives saved:
- In one case, a drone located a missing elderly man with Parkinson’s and diabetes who had become disoriented while crabbing. The team deployed a VHF radio via drone, allowing communication before additional resources arrived.
- In another instance, the drone located the body of a missing person in a remote area of water, using laser range-finding to provide exact coordinates for recovery teams who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to locate or access the area.
- Most dramatically, during comparative testing, a drone delivered a flotation device to a simulated victim in less than half the time it took a rescue swimmer to reach the same location—a difference that can determine survival in near-drowning situations.
LOOKING AHEAD
As this technology continues to evolve, emergency response leaders are evaluating the potential of drone-in-box (DFR) solutions for even faster deployment. However, the variability of rescue situations—each potentially requiring different payloads and approaches—currently favors mobile deployment models that allow for mission-specific configurations.
The Law Enforcement Drone Association (LEDA) is helping public safety professionals develop standardized training and expand their capabilities. For departments interested in establishing their own programs, connecting with this organization can provide valuable resources and expertise.
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