On May 15, 2025, a fisherman’s quick thinking and drone skills turned a dangerous situation into a life-saving mission on Pensacola Beach, Florida. Andrew Smith, a Pensacola local, used his Swellpro drone to rescue a young girl caught in a rip current, dropping a flotation device to her in a critical moment. In recognition of his heroic actions, Swellpro gifted Smith their latest model, the Fisherman FD2 drone, free of charge.
A Drone-Powered Rescue in Action
Smith had only been fishing for about 10 minutes when a girl approached, asking if he or his friend could swim to help someone in distress. Unable to swim due to a seizure disorder, Smith turned to his Swellpro drone, a device he’d flown over 100 times in the past two years. He attached a flotation device to the drone and launched it toward the girl, who had been struggling in the rip current for roughly 5 minutes and was losing strength.
The first attempt failed due to wind interference, with Smith releasing the device too early. “I was shaking pretty badly,” Smith admitted to CBS12. “It was nerve-wracking—I almost cried.” On his second try, he flew the drone more carefully, lowering it slowly so the girl could grab the flotation device. This time, it worked, and she was able to hold on until help arrived.
Swellpro’s Fisherman FD2: A Game-Changer for Water-Based Drones
Swellpro, known for being the world’s first company to create a waterproof fishing drone, rewarded Smith with their newest model, the Fisherman FD2. This drone builds on the company’s reputation for rugged, water-resistant designs tailored for marine environments.
The FD2 offers enhanced payload capacity, allowing it to carry flotation devices or fishing bait, and boasts a flight range of up to 0.93 miles (1.5 kilometers) with a battery life of 30 minutes. Its IP67-rated waterproofing ensures it can handle splashes, rain, or even brief submersion, making it ideal for coastal rescues or fishing expeditions.
Smith’s experience highlights the growing role of drones in emergency situations. His familiarity with the Swellpro drone—he’d flown it more than 100 times—proved critical in executing the rescue under pressure. “It means the world to be recognized by them,” Smith told WALA. “I’ve been using the drone for about two years and I have flown it well over 100 times, so it’s nice for them to honor me and make a post about me and send me one.”
Drones in Rescue Operations: A Rising Trend
This incident underscores a broader trend in the Drone Industry: the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in search-and-rescue operations. Drones like the Fisherman FD2 provide a safer alternative for First Responders, allowing them to reach hazardous areas without putting human lives at risk. In coastal regions like Pensacola, where rip currents cause numerous emergencies annually, such technology could become a standard tool for lifeguards and civilians alike.
Economically, the Fisherman FD2’s price point—typically around $1,200—makes it accessible for recreational users, while its durability offers long-term value. From a regulatory perspective, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permits drone use in emergencies, but operators must still comply with airspace rules, such as maintaining a maximum altitude of 400 feet (121 meters) and keeping the drone within visual line of sight.
Smith’s story not only showcases the life-saving potential of drones but also highlights how companies like Swellpro are fostering innovation in the UAV space. With a second drone now in hand, Smith says he’s ready to assist again if needed, proving that technology and quick thinking can make a profound difference.
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Photos courtesy of Fox10 News.
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