Atlantic City Fire Department to use drones to protect and rescue swimmers

The Atlantic City Fire Department (ACFD), alongside other local public safety units, will demonstrate how drones can be used by lifeguards to protect swimmers on beaches in Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore.

The drones – equipped with cameras, PA systems and inflatable rescue devices – will be able to safeguard swimmers. Through the drones, lifeguards can communicate with swimmers in the water if they’re out too far; they can see if there are sharks, whales or other marine life and warn swimmers; and the drones can also deliver rescue devices directly to swimmers, while the lifeguards are on their way to help them.

The drone demonstration will take place on 10 October from 11:00 to 13:00 local time. ACFD, as well as the ACFD Drone Unit, Beach Rescue teams, members of County Offices of Emergency Management, and members of the Atlantic City Police Department’s SWAT Team will conduct flight exercises at Atlantic City’s beach.

“The Atlantic City Beach Patrol and our Office of Emergency Management do an outstanding job protecting swimmers on our beaches,” said Scott K Evans, Atlantic City Fire Chief and Office of Emergency Management Coordinator. “But with several miles of beach to patrol, millions of swimmers entering the water annually, and sometimes potentially dangerous surf and rip currents to deal with, every available resource helps. Drone technology can expand the reach and reduce the response time of lifeguards and public safety crews responsible. We are a proud leader in the use of drones to enhance public safety.”