News Summary: Remote-control 'lifeguards'
ROBOTIC LIFEGUARD: EMILY is a remote-controlled lifeguard. It looks like a buoy, but it's a small watercraft fitted with a flotation device.
DEPLOYMENT: It's being used by a handful of communities. Last month, it was used in its first rescue.
HOW IT WORKS: If a swimmer is struggling, a lifeguard or anyone else can put battery-powered EMILY in the water and, with a remote control, send it through even rough waves to help. EMILY can't bring swimmers back to shore, but it can keep them safe until rescuers get there.
