ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (KYW Newsradio) — There’s a new eye in the Atlantic City sky, as their beach patrol unveiled drones this week that will be used to help prevent drowning deaths.
When a call comes in for a swimmer in distress, Atlantic City’s Beach Patrol can dispatch a drone to the location and drop a self-inflating flotation device for someone to grab until lifeguards arrive.
Emergency Management Coordinator Scott Evans says using the drones is a force multiplier that will allow first responders to be more efficient.
“This is something that’s going to be able to give us quicker intelligence, something that will give us real-time situational awareness,” he said.
The drones are equipped with thermal imaging technology to help spot swimmers in the water. They also have two-way speakers for communication.
Evans says the drones will help them monitor the beach after hours and when lifeguards aren’t on duty. He notes that letting people know and understand to stay out of the water during those times is sometimes a challenge.
He says the city has nine drones for now and may add to the fleet before summer when they will start being used regularly.