The City will begin using drones equipped to drop flotation devices to assist beach swimmers in distress this summer, Mayor Eric Adams announced Friday as part of a broad seasonal safety plan covering the city’s 14 miles of shoreline.
The drones — operated in coordination by the NYPD, FDNY, and Office of Emergency Management (OEM) — will hover over swimmers in trouble, communicate with them in real time, and release flotation devices until lifeguards or emergency crews arrive.
At a press conference launching the initiative at Orchard Beach in the Bronx on May 23, Adams called the technology a “game changer” in water safety. Over 40 drones with the capacity of dropping the flotation devices are expected to be deployed across city beaches this summer.
Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry said the agencies will continue daily coordination on previously implemented beach safety operations with drones, including shark activity monitoring, surveillance, and water rescues.
“Drones will be equipped with a rest tube,” Daughtry said during a demonstration. “When NYPD, FDNY or OEM are on drone patrol and see a swimmer who is struggling, drowning, or caught in a rip current, the drone operator will fly over and strategically drop the restube, which opens into a flotation device as soon as it hits the water.”
Daughtry said flotation devices will range from four to six feet in length and can support any body weight.
City agencies already use drones year-round for various purposes, including deterring subway surfing, monitoring protests, and assisting in incidents involving armed or barricaded individuals.
The drone deployment is part of a larger Summer Safety Plan that coincides with the official opening of city beaches on Saturday. The initiative focuses on public safety “by air, land, and sea” and includes enhanced lifeguard staffing, fire safety campaigns, enforcement against impaired driving, and expanded youth programming.
“New York City is a great beach town, but we need everyone to help us stay safe in the surf,” Adams said. He urged swimmers to only enter the water when lifeguards are on duty, heed red flags and posted signs, and be cautious of rip currents.
Lifeguards will be stationed at city beaches daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and outdoor pools are set to open June 27.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch also highlighted a citywide “summer violence strategy” targeting 70 zones across 57 precincts. She said more than 1,500 officers are now on foot patrol, and major crimes in those areas have dropped 23% since the plan’s May 5 launch.
Additional measures include distributing fire hydrant spray caps to provide safe ways to cool off and extending hours at nearly 140 Saturday Night Lights youth sites operating throughout the summer.
