The New York City Police Department is planning the use of drones to spot and help swimmers in difficulty at city beaches. The drones will be equipped with flotation devices which can be dropped to help swimmers struggling in the water.

The drones will be able to communicate with lifeguards during a rescue, using a mounted speaker.

New York City has a lifeguard shortage and is attempting to increase numbers with a recruiting campaign.

The city used drones last year to check for sharks in the ocean and decide whether beaches should be closed.

The city’s emergency services have experimented with using robots. Its police and fire departments have employed a “Digidog” to reconnoitre dangerous locations. The police department has also trialled a “Robocop”, which was used to monitor Times Square subway station.