The Rescue Stick costs $150 a piece, weighs only one pound, and when dropped from a helicopter, at 120 feet, it falls straight down, ensuring accuracy and flotation for the person that it is intended to help. “Seconds make a world of difference. This device will keep you afloat and able to breathe and out of the water, and also gives us an excellent way to find you on the water because it’s a large, bright device. It’s easy to see,” said Lieutenant Greg Magnifico of the Nassau County Police Marine Bureau.

Being situated along the Long Island coastline, both Nassau and Suffolk County police departments are used to their fair share of callouts for water rescues – together, they responded to almost 400 water distress calls last year. Though the helicopters can reach a rescuee’s location quickly, a boat can sometimes take longer, and seconds really do count when someone is at the risk of exhaustion and hypothermia, while struggling in the water. Being able to throw the life-saving tool from the helicopter with accuracy is essential to increasing the odds of a patient’s survival.

Nassau Police Tactical Flight Officer Michael Hardial noted that during the two opportunities to do so, they were able to get the flotation device within 10 to 20 feet of the rescuee.

“It’s a game changer, so simple yet an effective tool to effect a water rescue and possibly save someone’s life,” commented Lt. Adam Fischer of Nassau Police’s Aviation Unit.

Nassau will be buying 50 Rescue Sticks, which will be distributed to the aviation fleet, as well as marine and patrol cars.