Every year, an estimated 4,000 people die in drowning accidents in the United States. While most of these incidents happen in public and private pools, too many people drown while swimming at beaches. One of the biggest culprits behind beach drownings is unpredictable rip tides—a strong current that cannot be seen from the surface and can quickly pull people under the water or far from shore. As of August 2024, 27 people died from rip tide-related drownings during the year’s summer season. The state of North Carolina alone had to perform more than 200 rip tide rescues.

This is the reason why North Carolina’s Oak Island Fire Department began deploying a novel rescue system to assist beach lifeguards: rescue drones. Located on the southeastern shores of North Carolina, Oak Island has a population of only 8,396. However, as tourists flock to the idyllic seaside town each summer, the population swells to nearly 50,000. This puts a huge burden on the lifeguards, requiring backup from local law enforcement and rescue resources.

In March 2021, the Oak Island Fire Department launched its drone program. They trained and accredited a designated representative to act as the drone pilot, Officer Shawn Barry. Explaining how the drone works, Shawn said that it has a regular and infrared camera that allows him to safely navigate and identify victims in any situation. “This drone is capable of flying in all types of weather and environments,” he said. The drone also has a microphone and speaker system that allows Shawn to communicate with a possible victim. This is a twofold benefit: through the microphone, a possible victim can let Shawn know if they are in need of rescuing, allowing officers to determine whether or not they need to arrive on the scene. Secondly, Shawn can communicate with the possible victim, giving guidance, reassurance, and updates as to rescue procedures.

What sets the Oak Island Fire Department drone apart from other drones used by emergency responders is its ability to deploy lifesaving equipment. Attached to the bottom of the drone is a device activated by a CO2 cartridge that Shawn can remotely release when the drone is positioned over a victim. Once the CO2 cartridge comes in contact with water, it instantly inflates a flotation device. If necessary, Shawn can retrieve the drone, attach a second flotation device, and within moments, have it back over the victim for deployment. The drone can also deliver a tow line to a victim, which lifeguards can use to tow the victim back to shore.

On May 16, 2024, Shawn received a call that a swimmer was in distress. A rip tide had pulled the man farther from shore than he realized. After becoming exhausted, the man luckily was able to grab onto a piling of the Oak Island Pier. Minutes after the call came in, Shawn was on site with his drone in the air. Using the drone’s infrared camera, Shawn identified the man struggling in the water. He deployed the first flotation device, followed by a second one. The man was able to use the flotation devices to return to shore before any lifeguards or rescue officers arrived on the scene. Not only did Shawn’s drone save the man’s life, but it also kept lifeguards and rescue officers safe since they didn’t need to risk entering the water themselves.

On June 16, 2024, Shawn and his Fire Chief, Lee Price, accepted an award from Blue Mountain Ridge Drones for demonstrating the amazing lifesaving capabilities that drones provide. Wayne Bailey, owner of Blue Ridge Mountain Drones, presented the award, stating, “On behalf of Blue Ridge Mountain Drones, we express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment to protecting and serving your community. Your actions undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of those you serve and they do not go unnoticed. A successful outcome of this operation not only highlights the effectiveness of your team’s training and expertise, it also serves as a beacon of hope and reassurance for the community, the state and across the nation.”

The innovative use of drones by the Oak Island Fire Department exemplifies how technology can enhance lifesaving efforts and improve community safety. The deployment of these advanced rescue tools not only aids in emergency response but also fosters a greater sense of security among residents and visitors alike. With ongoing training and support, organizations like the Oak Island Fire Department are paving the way for future advancements in lifesaving techniques, ensuring that every swimmer can enjoy the ocean with the confidence that help is just a drone flight away.

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