NYC Deploys DJI Drones to Enhance Beach Safety and Emergency Response

NYPD drones dropping a floatation device

New York City is taking beach safety to new heights this summer with the introduction of drones equipped to drop emergency floatation devices to swimmers in distress. In a collaborative effort, the NYPD, FDNY, and OEM are leveraging cutting-edge drone technology to enhance rescue operations and ensure the safety of beachgoers, reports ABC 7 NY.

DJI Drones Deliver Life-Saving Floatation Devices

The NYPD’s DJI drones are capable of swiftly delivering floatation tubes to swimmers struggling to stay afloat.

“If a beachgoer is having any type of trouble staying above water, if they submerge in to the water, if they are caught in a riptide, if they need to be rescued, we can drop a tube — as soon as it makes contact with water, it immediately opens up into a floatation device,” explained NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry.

FDNY Drones Offer Versatile Support

The FDNY employs a different DJI drone model, a DJI Matrice 350, that hovers over the Atlantic, ready to carry out various missions. From spotting sharks to assisting with medical emergencies, these drones provide crucial support.

“Mass casualty incidents, bags that have medical devices, radios, communication kits, we can drop a small fire extinguisher to a boat in distress,” said FDNY Capt. Michael Leo.

Multi-Agency Collaboration Enhances Safety

The joint effort between the NYPD, FDNY, and OEM showcases the power of multi-agency collaboration in ensuring public safety. During emergencies, each agency’s drones serve specific purposes.

“OEM shows up, we’ll put the drone up for an overall picture while the fire department is focused on fire suppression and when the NYPD shows up, that’s a second and third set of eyes in the sky,” explained Michael Kahlau from OEM.

Beachgoers appreciate the added layer of security provided by the drones.

Swimmer Shamus McVicar noted, “If I were panicking I think it would bring a little bit of comfort to me.”

DroneXL’s Take

The deployment of drones for beach safety in New York City marks a significant step forward in leveraging technology for public safety. As we’ve seen in recent articles, drones have proven invaluable in various emergency response scenarios, from delivering life-saving medical supplies to assisting in search and rescue operations.

The collaboration between the NYPD, FDNY, and OEM sets a powerful example of how agencies can work together to maximize the benefits of drone technology. As more cities adopt similar initiatives, we can expect to see a significant improvement in emergency response times and overall public safety.

All photos courtesy of ABC 7 NY.