DEPOE BAY, Ore. -- A robotic lifeguard named "EMILY" was tested in the rough surf near Gleneden Beach Friday. And officials said she passed the test.
EMILY, or the Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard, was developed for NOAA. It is a small robotic flotation device that has already been used in Southern California. Saturday marked the first test of the device in the Pacific Northwest.
During the test, EMILY was able to reach a swimmer within minutes. Crews on shore were then able to pull him back to safety.
Rescue crews told KGW there's a huge need for EMILY off the Oregon coast.
"We have people who go into the ocean who are not prepared," said Depoe Bay Fire and Rescue's Jim Kusz. "And every time we put someone in to save them, we're looking at possibly two or three victims."
Each robotic lifeguard costs roughly four thousand dollars
The Depoe Bay Fire Department said Within a couple years it hopes to have several in operation up and and down the coast.
