Water Rescue Gets High-Tech Boost: Fire Authority Unveils Waterproof Drone

The South San Joaquin County Fire Authority (SSJCFA) in California has added a new tool to its water rescue arsenal – a waterproof drone capable of landing on and taking off from water. According to Tracy Press, this cutting-edge technology aims to enhance the speed and safety of water rescue operations in the area.

SwellPro Splashdrone 4: A Game-Changer for Water Rescues

The fire authority recently acquired a SwellPro Splashdrone 4, thanks to a donation from the Tracy Friends for Parks, Recreation and Community Services Foundation. This $4,000 investment is set to revolutionize how the SSJCFA approaches water emergencies.

SSJCFA Capt. Jim Haskell demonstrated the drone’s capabilities, explaining its potential to significantly reduce response times in critical situations.

“You can connect this to the drone and within 2 minutes I can get the drone up in the air and fly this to the person and drop this to them,” Haskell said, referring to a flotation device that can be attached to the drone.

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency

The Splashdrone 4 isn’t just about speed – it’s also about improving safety for both victims and rescuers.

Chief Randall Bradley highlighted this aspect, stating, “If somebody were actually in the water our firefighters would go in the water. This makes it where we may not have to go in the water. That’s huge from a firefighters’ safety perspective.”

The drone’s ability to quickly locate individuals in distress and deliver flotation devices could prove crucial in situations where every second counts. This technology complements the fire authority’s existing water rescue equipment, including the rescue boat housed at Station 92 on Grant Line Road.

A Trained Team Behind the Controls

The SSJCFA has assembled a dedicated drone team consisting of six volunteers, all Part 107 Certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This ensures that the new technology will be operated safely and effectively during rescue operations.

Haskell noted that drones have already proven their worth in other emergency scenarios, helping firefighters identify specific hazards during structure and wildland fires, as well as floods.

DroneXL’s Take

The adoption of waterproof drone technology by the South San Joaquin County Fire Authority represents a significant step forward in emergency response capabilities. This innovative approach to water rescues aligns with a growing trend of integrating drones into public safety operations.

While this particular story focuses on water rescues, it’s worth noting that drones are increasingly being used across various emergency response scenarios. For instance, DroneXL recently reported on the use of drones in wildfire fighting, showcasing how unmanned aerial vehicles are becoming indispensable tools for first responders.

As more fire departments and rescue teams adopt drone technology, we can expect to see continued improvements in response times, situational awareness, and overall safety for both rescuers and those in need of assistance. The SSJCFA’s initiative serves as a model for other departments looking to enhance their rescue capabilities through cutting-edge technology.

Photo courtesy of Bob Browne / Tracy Press