Last time we reported on the "Little Ripper," it was regarding the use of drones to spot sharks in Australian waters. This drone is making headlines again in what’s thought to be a world-first drone rescue operation.
Australia's 'Little Ripper' lifeguard drone saved two teenage swimmers caught in rough seas. Lifeguards were busy testing the UAV off Lennox Head as part of New South Wales' drone shark-spotting strategy when the distress call came in. The drone tracked down the stranded swimmers and dropped a flotation pod, which they used to make their way to shore safely.
The drone was able to make the rescue within 70 seconds, compared to the six minutes it usually takes a lifeguard to rescue swimmers. The event was captured on video relayed from the drone camera. The video shows the release of the flotation device.
"The Little Ripper UAV certainly proved itself today, it is an amazingly efficient piece of lifesaving equipment and a delight to fly," Lifeguard supervisor Jai Sheridan told Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.