As New York City's beaches open for the summer season, visitors may soon quickly to find assistance from above in the event of a water emergency. Mayor Eric Adams has announced a new initiative that will see drones deployed to aid swimmers in distress. According to a Gothamist report, these drones will be equipped with the capability to talk to struggling swimmers and drop auto-inflating life rafts measuring 4 to 6 feet long.
Adams said in a statement obtained by Gothamist, "It’s a totally different dynamic than feeling you’re alone." The drones' advent follows seven drownings last year, motivating the city to offer more support for beachgoers.
As AMNY detailed, the flying devices will support lifeguards and increase the city’s capacity to promptly respond to water rescues and shark sightings.
In coordination with the NYPD, FDNY, and the Office of Emergency Management, these drones will actively patrol the city's 14 miles of beaches. Over 40 units are expected to be in action, set to strategically drop life-saving flotation devices to those caught in dangerous situations. Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry, as reported by AMNY, stated, "When NYPD, FDNY or OEM are on drone patrol and see a swimmer who is struggling, drowning, or caught in a rip current, the drone operator will fly over and strategically drop the restube, which opens into a flotation device as soon as it hits the water."
The initiative is part of the city's broader plan to improve public safety, which includes fire safety campaigns, anti-impaired driving enforcement, and expanded youth programming. Mayor Adams has advised beachgoers to swim only when lifeguards are present. According to Iris Rodriguez-Rosa of the Parks Department, the city has hired enough lifeguards to fully staff beaches for the Memorial Day opening.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted that efforts to reduce summer violence are ongoing, with a reported decrease in major crimes since the initiative began earlier this month. Drones will be used to monitor beach safety, while the NYPD continues to increase foot patrols. Lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
