BY IAN M. TORRES
Drones were introduced to patrol city beaches this Summer, initially watching overhead
and monitoring the waters for sharks. As part of an improved safety effort by the New York City
Police Department and Fire Department, this new technology is now assisting swimmers in
distress. The drones are equipped with gear necessary for a rescue mission, carrying flotation
devices that can be dropped into the water. They are also able to communicate with swimmers in
need of help, have spotlights, and can attend people with medical emergencies.
Beachgoers on a busy Labor Day weekend, welcomed the sight of drones.
“Anything for safety is the best,” said Yvette N., a longtime Brooklyn resident, about this new
technology. She thinks this will help rescue efforts, “Yes I think so, they can save some lives,”
she said.
Beaches are currently open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. but once lifeguards leave for the day,
NYPD drones continue until 7 p.m. and FDNY, until 8 p.m. to further assist swimmers in danger.
There is currently a shortage of lifeguards around New York City beaches.
“The lifeguards can’t stay out all night,” Yvette N. said.
Over the past few months, there have been multiple drownings around city beaches, more
particularly after lifeguards were off duty.
Along the shores of Rockaway Beach, Rachel L., a former Brooklyn resident, now living
in Westchester, also welcomed the technology.
“I wasn’t aware of these drones. I did see some over there,” she said, pointing in one direction,
“but I didn’t know what they were for.” She added, “It seems like a great of use of safety. Some
police presence or an occasional officer is nice.”
As the day swiftly approached its final hours before lifeguards went off duty, Craig
Kauffman, of Forest Hills, Queens, said he thought having drones was a brilliant idea, especially
because he had his own close encounter with drowning. “It’s a step closer to safety,” he said,
“Why would I be against something so important to the safety of others.”
According to a report by ABC 7 News, the number of drownings at city beaches this
summer have already equaled the total amount from last summer. Drones cover the stretch of
Rockaway Beach from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thoughts of extending operating hours have been
suggested, but Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue has said that is not an option.
“It is a really long day for our lifeguard, so were not able to extend hours, especially at our
beaches,” she said. “Because if you think about it, they’re out in the hot sun the whole day,
managing crowds – thousands of people using the beaches – so they need a rest, too.”