This is the moment a drone takes to the sky and drops a life jacket in the sea as the authorities in the Spanish Costa del Sol look to bolster their lifeguard team ahead of the summer season.
The city council of Estepona, which is preparing to accept visitors again after the COVID-19 pandemic, in the Spanish province of Malaga on the Costa del Sol has announced that the region’s lifeguard service will be reinforced with the use of drones.
According to councillor Susana Aragon, the drones will be able to carry up to two life vests to swimmers spotted struggling in the water.
Credit: CEN/@josemaria.garciaurbano
Meanwhile, the drone operators will be positioned on the beach and the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) should reach any struggling swimmers faster than normal.
After dropping a life vest to someone in danger, the flotation device will inflate automatically on contact with the water, according to reports.
Aragon said it is the first time such technology has been used on the beaches in Estepona and that they will only be called upon when necessary.
She added that the drones are strong and stable and can even operate in high winds.
A video of a drone in action was shared on social media by the mayor, Jose Maria Garcia Urbano.
Carlos Poveda, CEO of Umiles Group, the company working alongside the city council on the project, said that the drones can reach a distance of 300 metres (984 feet) in between 30 and 50 seconds.
Estepona beaches will have drone services for lifeguards 
Estepona beaches will have drone services for lifeguards
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Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
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