MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue squad recently received some new equipment to better protect swimmers at the beach this summer.
The robotic lifeguard, Emily, arrived last week, according to a Facebook post from MBFR. Crews received four of the robotic lifeguards, purchased by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, and are currently training with the water rescue tools. Officials say they hope to launch the Emily lifeguards at the beach during Memorial Day weekend.
While crews plan to utilize the Emily lifeguards at different points along the beach, the robots are no replacement for actual lifeguards and jet ski rescue crews.
“Even while sending the EMILYs out, we are still preparing swimmers and jet skis for deployment,” MBFR says on Facebook. “They can pull a person in or a lifeguard out if needed, but their main purpose is to act as a flotation device until further help can arrive.”
In addition to the robotic lifeguards, MBFR crews received two new vehicles for beach patrol.
A new Chevy Colorado will be used as a beach patrol unit during the summer season and a new Chevy Tahoe will replace the existing Safety Car. The Tahoe will be staffed by a shift Captain who will respond to major incidents as a Safety Officer, officials say.
Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue reports no drownings in 2017. Rescue swimmers were deployed 41 times, crews report 24 active surf rescues and 315 medical calls last year.