OCEAN COUNTY, N.J. — The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office used a drone to assist in the rescue of swimmers in distress on July 17, 2026. This operation marked the deployment of aerial technology to support emergency response efforts in the water.

Detective Patrick Kennedy of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office deployed a drone equipped with a flotation device while rescue crews were en route to the swimmers. The agency utilized this equipment to reach the individuals in the water before ground or boat assets could arrive at the scene.

Kennedy remotely deployed a “restube” from the drone into the water for the swimmers. This action provided immediate buoyancy assistance to the individuals in distress. The use of the restube allowed the swimmers to remain afloat while waiting for further aid.

Rescue crews brought the swimmers to shore safely. The integration of the drone response facilitated the safe conclusion of the incident. All individuals involved were recovered from the water and returned to land without reported injury from the drowning hazard.

The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office has possessed drones for several years but recently equipped them for water rescue assistance. This recent modification expanded the utility of the existing fleet beyond its original scope. The agency adapted the technology to address specific aquatic emergency scenarios.

The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office established its small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) program in 2016, initially using drones for low-level airborne reconnaissance and investigative support. The program has evolved from its initial focus on surveillance to include direct life-saving interventions. This shift represents a broader application of the unmanned aircraft within the department.

"Words can’t describe how important this is. It saves one life? It’s worth it," Kennedy said.

The detective emphasized the value of the technology in preserving human life during critical moments. The statement reflected the perspective of the personnel involved in the deployment.