The Sunny Isles Beach Police Department in South Florida has launched a cutting-edge drone program designed to reach aquatic emergencies in under a minute. These drones can drop an inflatable flotation device from above and provide voice guidance to the victim until rescue teams arrive, as reported by Univision on Wednesday.
The process begins at the police department’s dispatch and monitoring center: once an emergency call is received, the drone takes off immediately and reaches the ocean within sixty seconds, beating any boat or jet ski to the scene.
Upon reaching the person in distress, the drone releases a flotation device that automatically inflates upon contact with the water, helping the individual stay afloat until rescuers arrive.
Moreover, the drones are equipped to deliver direct voice messages to those in danger, offering specific instructions on how to handle the critical moments before rescue.
Sergeant Jonathan Canats, a certified pilot of the program, shared his insights: “With these tools, I can conduct rescues, save lives, and provide essential information. It’s an incredible experience.”
The program operates around the clock, every day of the week, ensuring no interruption in service.
Significant Impact: 78 Rescues in Six Months
Initiated in January 2026, the program’s early results are impressive: by mid-July, it had assisted in the rescue of 78 individuals from the ocean, confirmed Lieutenant Melissa Porro to Local 10 news.
“This program is truly groundbreaking; since its start in January 2026, about 78 people have been rescued from the sea. Operating 24/7, it sets an example for other police departments nationwide,” Porro stated.
The drones used are Skydio X10 models, operated by FAA-certified officers in collaboration with Axon Air. The entire system—drone, docking station, and mobile unit—was purchased in July 2025 for $250,000.
Sunny Isles Beach stands as the first police agency in Florida to fully implement a Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, positioning drones as the frontline response in emergencies.
The Urgency: Florida's Drowning Risks
The necessity for such technology is evident given the drowning statistics in the state. Rip currents account for over 100 deaths annually in Florida and constitute more than 80% of the beach rescues.
Between March 29 and April 5, 2026, there were 509 aquatic rescue incidents in Miami-Dade, with 330 linked to rip currents.
In 2025, Florida reported 119 child drownings, the highest in the state's history, according to recent media reports.
Amid this context, Miami Police initiated their own drone first responder program in August 2025, deploying devices to emergency scenes following 911 calls, highlighting a growing trend in South Florida towards leveraging this technology to save lives.
The Sunny Isles Beach program, demonstrating undeniable results within just six months, aims to become the benchmark for other police departments across the country.
Understanding the Impact of Drone Programs on Beach Safety
How quickly can the drones respond to an emergency?
The drones are capable of reaching an aquatic emergency in less than a minute.
What technology do the drones use to assist those in need?
The drones deploy inflatable flotation devices and can provide voice guidance to individuals in distress until help arrives.
What is the scale of the drowning issue in Florida?
Rip currents cause over 100 deaths annually and represent more than 80% of beach rescues in Florida.