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Florida ranks fifth nationwide for unintentional drownings, but new technology is helping Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies get lifesaving equipment to swimmers faster.

BSO deputies in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea and in Pompano Beach who are trained UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) operators can now use their drone skills to deploy a flotation device to swimmers who are in distress. The device is called Restube®. The Restube® is attached to the UAS and then flown out over the water to the swimmer. Once the Restube® is dropped into the water it automatically inflates to become a four-foot buoy. This allows the swimmer to stay afloat until rescue arrives.

This technology adds another tool to BSO’s lifesaving capabilities on land, in the air and on the water.