WATCH: Aerial Drone Used to Save Two Swimmers’ Lives in Australia

Photo credit: Little Ripper Lifesaver

Lifeguards in Australia are being credited with saving two swimmers’ lives using a relatively new life-saving drone in what is believed to be a first-of-its-kind rescue.

The rescue in question took place on January 18, 2018, after lifeguards in New South Wales spotted two swimmers caught out in a rip current. According to officials, within just 70 seconds the UAV was hovering over the boys and launched an inflatable for them to grab onto – essentially saving their lives.

The rescue is believed to be the first time a drone has been used to rescue swimmers at sea.

Of course, the amazing rescue was caught on video by the drone itself:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMJuN8npYCo

The new drone, called the Little Ripper Lifesaver, is being used as part of a major investment New South Wales to incorporate drone technology to aid in shark tracking and monitoring, the Verge reports.

The maker of the Little Ripper drone, Kevin Weldon, said he was inspired to develop the device after seeing unmanned helicopters being used in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

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