NYC Deploys Drones to Enhance Beach Safety This Memorial Day Weekend

New York City is set to open its beaches for Memorial Day weekend with a tech-driven approach to safety, as drones take center stage in lifeguard operations. On Friday, May 23, 2025, Mayor Eric Adams and city officials gathered at Orchard Beach to announce the expanded use of drones, aiming to protect beachgoers and address lifeguard shortages, according to a report by WABC.

Drones Bolster Lifeguard Efforts

The city has prioritized recruiting lifeguards, with 930 on duty at the peak of last summer. However, officials expect to meet or exceed this number in 2025 through raised wages, secured bonuses, and streamlined application requirements. To complement these efforts, drones are being integrated into rescue operations. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can swiftly drop emergency flotation devices to struggling swimmers, reducing response times in critical situations. The technology allows lifeguards to cover larger areas more efficiently, especially at busy beaches like Coney Island and Rockaway, which span over 14 miles of coastline.

Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras also enable real-time monitoring of the shoreline. This capability is vital for spotting swimmers in distress and tracking potential hazards, such as rip currents. The city plans to continue its drone surveillance program to address another growing concern: shark sightings. In 2024, shark sightings increased by 15% along NYC beaches, prompting officials to leverage drones for early detection and to alert beachgoers promptly.

Addressing Public Safety with Technology

The integration of drones into beach safety protocols reflects a broader trend in public safety innovation. Drones offer a cost-effective solution compared to traditional methods, such as increasing lifeguard patrols or deploying rescue boats. A single drone, capable of covering up to 2 miles of shoreline in a single flight, can operate for 30–40 minutes on a single battery charge, depending on the model. This efficiency reduces the need for additional personnel while maintaining high safety standards.

Economically, the program makes sense. The cost of operating a Chinese made DJI drone—typically $5,000 to $10,000 per unit, including maintenance—pales in comparison to the annual expense of hiring and training additional lifeguards, which can exceed $50,000 per employee. Regulatory-wise, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved NYC’s use of drones for public safety under Part 107 rules, which require operators to be licensed and to maintain a line of sight during flights. The city has ensured compliance by training lifeguards as certified drone pilots.

A Broader Safety Initiative

The beach safety measures coincide with the NYPD’s “Summer All Out” program, which deploys additional officers to the streets to curb an expected rise in crime during the warmer months. This initiative follows a 200% increase in child victims of gun violence in the Bronx last year compared to 2018, highlighting the need for comprehensive safety strategies across the city.

Friday’s event at Orchard Beach was about more than just logistics—it was a chance to generate excitement for the summer season. As Mayor Adams emphasized the role of technology in keeping New Yorkers safe, the message was clear: drones are not just a tool for surveillance but a lifeline for beachgoers. With Memorial Day marking the unofficial start of summer, NYC’s beaches are poised to welcome visitors with enhanced safety measures that blend human expertise with cutting-edge technology.

Photos courtesy of Associated Press