Australia lifesaving drone makes first rescue

Photo taken on December 10, 2017 shows a shark-spotting drone with a safety flotation device attached underneath flying over Bilgola beach north of Sydney. High-tech shark-spotting drones are patrolling dozens of Australian beaches this summer to quickly identify underwater predators and deliver safety devices to swimmers and surfers faster than traditional lifesavers. / AFP PHOTO / PETER PARKS

SYDNEY: A pair of Australian swimmers on Jan 18 became the first people to be rescued in the ocean by a drone when the aerial lifesaver dropped an safety device to distressed teens caught in rough seas. 

Australia is leading the use of the technology in surf lifesaving, with dozens of drones being trialled on beaches around the country.