While everyone was impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, first responders along the lakeshore still had to save lives as people flocked outside during Michigan's warmer weather.
Two drones are the newest tools to save drowning victims in South Haven
One of the drones has the ability to drop a floatation device to someone struggling in the water, reducing the response time for rescuers. Author: Alana Holland (WZZM13) Updated: 4:59 PM EDT May 5, 2021
SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. In 2020, South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) responded to 23 water rescues. Three people drowned in Lake Michigan off the city s beaches. Yeah, that was at least doubled from what we ve responded to in the past, said Brandon Hinz, SHAES executive director.
Now, SHAES has a new tool: drones.
One drone has the ability to fly over the water and drop a floatation device to someone struggling in the water. The goal is to reduce the response time to save someone from drowning. Paramedic and firefighter Zachary Kenreich said it takes about four minutes for rescue crews to get to the lake from the station. Then, it is another one or two minutes
South Haven Area Emergency Services gets specialized drone for water rescues
South Haven Area Emergency Services
and last updated 2021-05-03 11:49:18-04
SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. â South Haven Area Emergency Services will be able to better conduct water rescues thanks to a new specialized drone.
The purchase of the drone was made possible through a $7,500 grant from the Albermarle Foundation, which has a plant in South Haven, according to a news release Monday.
The drone is equipped with a payload delivery system capable of dropping CO2-charged, water activated flotation devices to swimmers struggling in the water.
South Haven Area Emergency Services
May 3, 2021
First responders with South Haven Area Emergency Services have a new tool to help with water rescues. SHAES has purchased a specialized drone thanks to a $7,500 grant from Albemarle Foundation as Albermarle Corporation has a plant in South Haven. The drone is equipped with a payload delivery system that is capable of dropping carbon dioxide-charged, water activated flotation devices to swimmers struggling in the water. Operated from the shore, the operator is able to view through a camera the distressed swimmer. The drone is also equipped with an infrared camera that can be used to locate distressed swimmers in the dark. It is also capable of detecting heat signatures for search and rescue efforts in rural areas such as woods and cornfields. There were 23 incidents on Lake Michigan SHAES responded to last year, with three resulting in drownings.
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