Sunny Isles Beach police test drone that delivers flotation device in emergencies

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SUNNY ISLES BEACH, Fla. — Sunny Isles Beach police are testing new drone technology that can drop a flotation tube to swimmers in distress.

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“Since January 1st up to July 15th was the last 1 to 78 rescues on our beach,” said Lt. Melissa Porro with Sunny Isles Beach Police.

In order to see how the technology works, Local 10 News put it to the test.

During the test, the drone flew overhead and released a flotation tube directly into the water.

The process can be seen in the video provided by Sunny Isles Beach Police.

The department says the drone can be launched 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can reach a swimmer in less than a minute.

“For now it’s just nice to see what it can do and the hopes that we will hopefully be able to use it eventually,” Porro said.

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About The Author
Rosh Lowe

Rosh Lowe

Reporter Rosh Lowe has been covering news for nearly two decades in South Florida. He joined Local 10 in 2021.