• A Florida fisherman saved a young girl from drowning; the story of this rescue was covered extensively, highlighting how a Florida fisherman saves lives with innovative methods like using a drone to drop a life preserver and rescue a girl caught in a dangerous riptide.
• The girl was swimming far from shore with no lifeguards present and a red flag warning on the beach, making the incident one where the Florida fisherman saves the day.
• The drone’s fishing design helped deliver life jackets quickly, allowing first responders to arrive in time after a Florida fisherman saves another life.

A fisherman in Florida saved a young girl from drowning by using his drone to drop a life preserver. Andrew Smith was at Fort Pickens Beach near Pensacola, where the incident took place – yet another story in which a Florida fisherman saves someone in need. He was flying his SwellPro Fisherman Max drone, looking for sharks in the water. Suddenly, he heard a girl screaming for help. She had been caught in a strong riptide. The girl, who was not identified, was swimming with two friends when the current pulled her far from shore. A red flag flew on the beach, warning people not to swim. Lifeguards were not on duty that day and would not return until Memorial Day.

Fisherman Spots Girl in Danger While Searching for Sharks with Drone

Even though Andrew Smith cannot swim, he wanted to help the girl. He looked around and saw life preservers lying on the beach. Quickly, he used his drone to pick one up. On his first attempt, he missed the girl with the life preserver. A woman nearby grabbed another one for him. On his second try, Smith carefully flew the drone close to the water, fighting strong winds. The drone carried the life preserver right to the girl. She grabbed it and held on tightly. A bystander cheered loudly, happy she was safe.

Video Shows Rescue and Life Preserver Helping Girl Stay Afloat

A fellow beach visitor, Robert Nay, recorded the rescue on video. The footage shows the drone battling heavy wind and gray skies. The life preserver almost touched the water as the girl grabbed it. Smith later said the girl was far out in the water. Without the drone’s help, she might not have lasted much longer. After the girl caught the life preserver, first responders arrived quickly. They pulled her safely out of the water.

Lifeguards Absent, Red Flag Warns Beachgoers to Stay Out of Water

The beach had no lifeguards that day. They only return for duty starting Memorial Day. A single red flag flew on the beach, signaling dangerous swimming conditions. The girl’s father contacted Smith later. He was very emotional and thanked Smith for saving his daughter’s life. Smith feels lucky to have helped, but he hopes he never needs to use his drone for a rescue again.