NYPD to use drones to aid swimmers in trouble at city beaches amid lifeguard shortage

A boy looks out to sea at Coney Island on May 25, 2024 in New York City. Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, with beaches opening for the season. New York changed some of its lifeguard requirements to address an ongoing national lifeguard shortage. — AFP

Remote-controlled drones equipped with flotation devices will be helping New York City lifeguards rescue swimmers in distress this summer season, city officials said Saturday.

The addition of drones comes as the city faces staff shortages among lifeguards that is expected to keep several miles of city beaches closed this holiday weekend.