Robert Nay
When a strong riptide pulled a teenage girl into deep waters off Pensacola Beach, the odds of her survival dropped by the second. But instead of a lifeguard diving in or a nearby swimmer springing to action, her unexpected hero came equipped with a drone—and a condition that makes swimming impossible.
When you can’t jump in, fly in instead
The dramatic scene unfolded near section 21C of Pensacola Beach, just outside the restricted airspace of Fort Pickens. That small detail would make a huge difference.
A local fisherman known for using high-tech gear had just arrived when a frantic woman rushed over, desperately asking if anyone nearby could swim. One man responded: he couldn’t. But that didn’t stop him from helping.
Though he has a seizure disorder that bars him from swimming or kayaking—tools most anglers rely on—this fisherman uses a drone to deploy shark bait offshore. That very drone became the reason a girl is alive today.
Not your average drone delivery
Thinking quickly, he grabbed a life preserver and flew the drone out toward the struggling swimmer. The first drop missed completely. “I ran up and grabbed one of those [life-preservers] and ran back down to the drone,” he explained. “I flew it out, and it was a terrible miss. I released it too early, it was really windy.”
Not giving up, a bystander handed him a second flotation device. Nearby, someone began recording the intense moment as he recalibrated and prepared for round two.
This time, everything aligned. He piloted the drone above the girl and released the preserver just as she reached for it. A perfect drop.
“I was shaking pretty badly. It was nerve-wracking, I almost cried,” he told CBS 12. “If it wasn’t for that second drop, she wouldn’t have made it. The EMS, the cops, and the lifeguards said she wouldn’t have made it.”
A lifesaver from above
The girl’s father later called the drone pilot a “guardian angel,” and other witnesses described what they saw as a “true act of humanity.” Without ever stepping into the water, he gave the teen the critical seconds she needed to stay afloat and survive until help arrived.
Drones: More than just eye candy or delivery bots
This rescue shows just how versatile drones have become—not just for aerial photography or dropping off takeout, but for real-life emergencies. From disaster relief in earthquake zones to clearing trash from Everest slopes, drones are stepping in where humans can’t—or shouldn’t.
Want to get started with your own life-saving missions (or just some epic nature shots)? Here are some tips for flying drones safely and effectively:
- Know your local airspace rules. National parks, military zones, and airports often have restrictions. Use apps like B4UFLY to stay compliant.
- Factor in weather conditions. Wind can make or break your flight—especially when doing precision drops like this rescue.
- Always carry extra batteries and gear. You never know when you’ll need a second chance.
- Practice precision flying. Don’t wait for an emergency to learn how to hover or control a payload release.
- Consider waterproof drones. Especially useful if you’re flying near bodies of water or in rescue operations.
You don’t need superpowers to be a hero
This story is proof that you don’t need to dive into stormy waters to save someone—you just need a bit of tech, a steady hand, and the guts to try again after missing the first shot.
So whether you’re into fishing, filmmaking, or just flying for fun, your drone could someday be the unexpected lifeline someone needs. Just ask the teen from Pensacola who got her second chance—thanks to one pilot who didn’t let a disability define what he could do.
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