Clare Lifeguards testing Drones for Rescue Operations at Spanish Point

DroneSAR, an Irish software company, is teaming up with Clare County Council to trial new innovative drone software to enhance lifeguard operations with automated beach patrols at Spanish Point.

DroneSAR develop flight-planning software which allows drones to scan large areas from above enabling search & rescue teams to reduce the time required to locate people in distress and reduces the risk to which rescue teams are exposed.

This new trial of this type of software is a first for Ireland and will allow Clare lifeguards to quickly deploy drones as their first response to monitor those in distress.

Clare McGrath, Water Safety Development Officer, Clare County Council, said: “Our lifeguards are tasked with quick response times and do so over large distances. Fast detection is crucial in the Drowning Chain of Survival. DroneSAR’s flight management technology, will deliver key operational advantages for our counties beach lifeguard operations by enabling them to quickly search for missing, injured or get early notification of people in distress. Any piece of equipment that will allow a quicker dispatch time for ambulances, medical assistance and increased beach patrols will be a huge advantage.”

A live-video downlink will enable the search pattern of each drone to be monitored by the lifeguard from the lifeguard hut. The Water Safety Development Officer can use the live browser secure link to remotely monitor search progress from any computer or laptop.

Oisin McGrath, DroneSAR CEO, said: “Lifeguard teams using DroneSAR will now be able to monitor live footage from the furthest reaches of their patrol areas, with instant access to call emergency services should the need arise. Drones can now be viewed as airborne lifeguards who cover large amounts of ground quickly and easily. As a past beach lifeguard, I am extremely excited about the endless possibilities that these trials will bring to the world of beach patrols.”