The robot, which is shaped like a boat and manoeuvred by remote control, can reach a speed of 35kph or approximately 12 times the speed of a human. Courtesy Dubai Municipality

Robot lifeguards heading to Dubai’s beaches

Dana Moukhallati

September 5, 2016 Updated: September 5, 2016 04:14 PM

 
 
 
 
 

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Topics: 

• Dubai

DUBAI // A 125cm-robot rescuer is the latest addition to Dubai Municipality’s safety system for the emirate’s beaches.

The robot, which is shaped like a boat and manoeuvred by remote control, can reach a speed of 35kph or approximately 12 times the speed of a human.

The goal behind launching this type of technology was to keep beachgoers safe, said Alya Al Harmoudi, director of the Environment Department at Dubai Municipality.

"The move is also in response to the Dubai government directives to keep up with the latest technologies and innovations," she said, adding: "It was to ensure that all the necessary requirements and precautions are in place to enhance the rescue operations on the public beaches of Dubai."

The device is fitted with an electric pump to facilitate movement and speed and travel up to a distance of 130km.

A Dubai Municipality source said the robot functions like a little speed boat, which a person in distress can hold on to to return to shore.

"It can travel really fast, faster than any human being can, and it can be controlled," he said.

The device, weighing 11 kilograms and operated by recycled batteries, can withstand high waves and heavy currents, according to a Dubai Municipality statement, which said it can pull four to five people at the same time.

Once fully charged - which takes 45-90 minutes - it can complete at least 30 rescue operations.

dmoukhallati@thenational.ae

Dubai Municipality launches robot lifeguard on public beaches

05/09/2016 01:26:01 PM

DUBAI, 5th September, 2016 (WAM) -- Dubai Municipality, DM, has, for the first time in the Middle East, launched a robot as a rescuer on public beaches for the security and safety of beach-goers in the emirate of Dubai.

Alya Al Harmoudi, Director of the Environment Department at DM, said, "The move is also in response to Dubai government directives to keep up with the latest technologies and innovations in this area as well as to ensure that all the necessary requirements and precautions are in place to enhance the rescue operations on the public beaches of Dubai."

The robot, which can reach a speed of 35 Kph, or approximately 12 times the speed of a human lifeguard, works by using remote control technology. It is 125 cm tall and can travel a distance of more than 130Kms. The robot can float freely as it weighs only 11 kg and can carry out up to 30 rescue operations without re-charging.

WAM/AAMIR/Moran

Virginia Beach lifeguard recounts rip current rescue, saves three family members

POSTED 12:54 PM, AUGUST 5, 2016, BY MERRIS BADCOCK, UPDATED AT 06:05PM, AUGUST 5, 2016

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Lifeguard Daniel Tobin says he’s no stranger to rescuing people from rip currents. But Thursday was Tobin’s first time rescuing someone from a rip current who was unconscious.

“I get about 50 yards from them, I realize it’s not just two people. There’s a third person. He’s facedown in the water, not moving. So now we have an unconscious and two active drowners out in the water,” Tobin told News 3.

Daniel Tobin (22, Virginia Beach) recounts rescuing a family of 3 from a rip current on Thursday.

Tobin got an EMS call just after 12:00 pm on Thursday for some swimmers who had gotten caught in a rip current.

Red flags warning swimmers of rip current conditions have been posted on the beach since Wednesday.

Officials confirmed there were three victims: one adult male and two teenagers.

“It was a father and two sons,” Tobin told News 3.

Watch the live interview here, or scroll down to read more of the story.

Even though the family was not swimming near lifeguard stands, Tobin told News 3 he and another lifeguard were able to dive in the water after them within a minute of getting the 911 call.

“[We jumped in] with a rescue can – a buoy, and fins. That’s the only equipment we have out here on the beach. It’s what we use,” Tobin said.

Tobin and another lifeguard were able to pull the unconscious teenager to the shoreline.

“[We] leave the two swimmers,” he said. “We have to come back for them. They’re swimming still. They’re still alive. We give them the flotation device, and they can still stay up.”

Tobin went back for the other two swimmers, and also brought them to safety.

Officials told News 3 all were transported to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, two with serious injuries.

“We encourage people to come out to the beach and have fun. We also want you to stay safe though, so we put the red flags up,” Tobin told News 3.

Red flags mean swimmers need to stay knee-to-waist deep, and swim near a lifeguard.

“Just be aware of where you’re at. Don’t try to test your limits. If you’re not a strong swimmer, come to the lifeguarded beach. That’s why we’re here.”

Lifeguard Raped, Abducted at Alexandria Pool: Police

Lifeguard Raped, Abducted at Alexandria Pool: Police
A woman working as a lifeguard at a pool in Alexandria, Virginia, was abducted and raped by a man Saturday afternoon, police said.

Alexandria police said the 24-year-old woman reported to police that at about 2 p.m., an unknown man approached her while she was at work at a pool in the 200 block of South Pickett Street.

The man took out a gun and raped her, police said. The victim called for help after the suspect fled.

The suspect is described as a white man in his mid-30s, tall and thin with short hair and dark eyes. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, light-colored jeans and a blue baseball cap, police said.

"It's just horrific. I am shocked," said a resident who frequents the pool. "I've live here since 1998 and there's nothing like that has ever happened."

Anyone with information about the assault or the man is asked to call police at (703) 746-6613.

Source: Lifeguard Raped, Abducted at Alexandria Pool: Police | NBC4 Washington http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Lifeguard-Raped-Abducted-at-Alexandria-Pool-Police-392260861.html#ixzz4PhxZgEMS
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Plum Island lifeguard, 20, rescues 14-year-old girl from drowning

• By Dave Rogers STAFF WRITER
 
• Jul 14, 2016
 

NEWBURYPORT - A local lifeguard is being heralded as a hero after saving a 14-year-old girl from drowning yesterday afternoon off Plum Island Point.
Around 2:30 p.m. yesterday, four out-of-town bathers were wading on a Merrimack River sandbar when the swift current dislodged them from their sandy perch and into the river.  One of the four, the 14-year-old, became separated from the others and drifted away. 
That was when lifeguard Matt Hayden, one of two lifeguards on duty near the sandbar, leapt into the water and rescued her. 
The second lifeguard, Drew Brewer, kept the other three bathers together and brought them to safety, according to Newburyport Harbormaster Paul Hogg. 
The 20-year-old Hayden said he was about 400 feet offshore in water about 12 feet deep when he grabbed the teen, who was exhausted and very close to drowning. 
"The current was really strong so I had to keep her head above water," Hayden said. 
Due to her near exhaustion, the victim could not hold onto Hayden's flotation device. That meant Hayden had to hold onto her while keeping both their heads above water until help arrived. Meanwhile, Hayden did his best to keep her focused and calm. A few minutes later, a harbor patrol boat arrived and personnel pulled them out of the water. 
"I knew what I had to do so I just focused on what I had to do," Hayden said.
The harbormaster boat brought them over to a bait and tackle shop at Plum Island Point, where they were greeted by the victim's grateful stepfather. 
"He gave me a handshake and a hug," Hayden said. 
Hogg said boats were speeding towards Hayden and the others within moments after the call came through the radio. Local firefighters were also dispatched to the scene. They evaluated all four bathers and declared them OK. 
"They did a fantastic job," Hogg said of his two lifeguards. 
The incident happened shortly after low tide. The tide was rising and ocean waters were rushing into the river mouth, raising the water level and creating strong upriver currents. 
Wednesday's incident took place at the same sandbar that claimed the life of a 21-year-old Lynn woman in 2010 when she and seven others were swept into the Merrimack River. Located in the mouth of the Merrimack between the Plum Island and Salisbury Beach, the sandbar extends out from the Plum Island side of the river into notoriously fast and dangerous currents.
Hayden said he conducted a similar rescue at the same spot last year. In that instance, a young man was in danger of being swept by the current when Hayden leapt in and rescued him. 
"But he was in a lot better shape," Hayden said, adding that the victim was strong enough to hold on Hayden's flotation device allowing the lifeguard to swim them back to shore. 
Despite the danger, the sandbar is a popular wading area for bathers. That reality plus the 2010 tragedy prompted Hogg to assign two lifeguards to the area this summer. 
This summer marks fourth year Hayden has worked for Hogg on Plum Island beaches. The Newburyport native said he couldn't be happier working for the city and was glad he was able to be at the right place at the right time. 
"I love the job. I'm definitely glad I work here," Hayden said.