Remote-controlled drones equipped with flotation devices will be helping New York City lifeguards rescue swimmers in distress this summer season, city officials said Saturday.
The addition of drones comes as the city faces staff shortages among lifeguards that is expected to keep several miles of city beaches closed this holiday weekend.
The NYPD, FDNY, city Parks Department and other agencies are working together to bring the drones to the beaches and keep an aerial eye out for swimmers in trouble starting this weekend, officials confirmed.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry announced the plan on X Friday, calling the use of drones in this manner “game changing.”
