“EMILY” – The Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard

Updated: February 5, 2026 (Originally published December 7, 2010)

Continuing with our interest in safety equipment and the latest lifesaving technology, we were happy to stumble across this system that is currently being tested by lifeguards at Malibu’s Zuma Beach.

Designed by Tony Mulligan of Hydronalix, the Emily – short for Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard – is a remote controlled bouy system capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 mph and, at 25 lbs., can be deployable quickly for a MOB situation.

I guess we’ll just have to wait and see if the design has legs in the commercial marine market, but the concept is pretty cool.  Read more about the Emily at CNN’s Innovation Nation blog.

Continue reading for Emily’s spec’s. E.M.I.L.Y. – Specifications:

-Tethered Buoy Sleep Mode, 100+ hours
-Battery Storage – 577 watt/hours
-5 mph Patrol – 518 minutes
-Speed – programmable for max of 40 mph
-35 minute duration at 40 mph max speed
-Weight – 25 pounds
-Craft Dimensions – 54” Length, 16” Width, 8” Height
-Payload Capacity – additional up to 15 pounds
-80 pound buoyancy

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