Island Park, New York

Nassau County police have begun testing water rescue drones near Island Park on Long Island, aiming to reach swimmers and boaters in distress faster than marine units can respond. The drones carry rescue equipment and deploy a beacon that activates on contact with water, potentially closing the critical gap—5 to 10 minutes, officials say—before first responders arrive. They are expected to help with rip tide incidents and shark sighting monitoring on South Shore beaches during peak season.

Beyond water rescues, officials say the drones will support broader law enforcement functions, including monitoring crime scenes, road rage incidents, street takeovers, and threats at places of worship, sometimes covertly. The county is funding the program with money seized from drug dealers, currently operating eight drones with plans to expand to 24 by spring. Long Beach police also see potential for crowd monitoring at large gatherings. Officials highlighted the drones' rapid deployment, thermal imaging, and collision-avoidance sensors as key advantages for both emergency response and policing.