Surf life saving NSW - Australia

[AnzacJack]

SLSNSW has the largest number of drone (UAV) pilots and drones amongst all of the emergency services with over 450 pilots and almost 300 drones that are used for coastal shark and rescue surveillance and response to natural disasters and incidents to support our fellow emergency services.

 

[MAvic_South_Oz]

It's one of the best uses for the larger drones I can think of.

SLSNSW has been experimenting with them for many years, recall seeing videos of them dropping all manner of life preservers etc in trials.
From the air and with a still water surface, you could easily spot a drowned swimmer on the bottom, impossible from any land point or even paddling over on a rescue board / jetski.

450 pilots and 300 drones, very good resource to have for all sorts of emergency back up, especially S&R.