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Ocean County Sheriff’s Drone Helps Rescue Distressed Swimmer Off Surf City Beach

Posted by Phil Stilton

1 min read

July 23, 2026

A drone carrying an emergency flotation device reached a distressed swimmer before lifeguards completed the rescue in Surf City, highlighting a growing partnership between the Ocean County Sheriff's Office and local beach patrols.

SURF CITY, N.J. – A distressed swimmer was safely rescued Wednesday after an Ocean County Sheriff’s Office drone delivered an emergency flotation device in the water, giving the swimmer something to hold onto until lifeguards could bring them safely to shore.

According to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Officer Cook responded to reports of swimmers in distress in Surf City and deployed an agency drone equipped with a Restube flotation device. One of the swimmers successfully grabbed the flotation device while awaiting rescue.

Drone provided critical flotation

Authorities said the swimmer held onto the flotation device until Surf City lifeguards reached the scene and completed the rescue. No additional information about the swimmer’s condition or the circumstances leading to the emergency was immediately released.

The sheriff’s office credited the successful outcome to coordination between its drone unit and Surf City’s beach patrol.

“Great teamwork between OCSO and Surf City lifeguards helped bring this swimmer home safely,” the agency said in a social media post announcing the rescue.

Drone teams patrol Long Beach Island

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The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office said it routinely stations drone operators on both the north and south ends of Long Beach Island during most evenings throughout the summer.

The drones are equipped to quickly respond to emergencies over the water, providing aerial surveillance and, when needed, deploying flotation devices to swimmers in distress while lifeguards or other first responders make their way to the scene.

Why it matters

The use of drones equipped with emergency flotation devices has become an increasingly valuable tool for water rescues, particularly when seconds matter. By delivering flotation before rescuers arrive, the technology can help keep distressed swimmers afloat and improve safety for both victims and first responders.

The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office said its continued partnership with local lifeguards is aimed at enhancing beach safety throughout the busy summer season.

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