A distressed swimmer was safely rescued off the coast of Surf City after the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office deployed a drone equipped with a flotation device to assist, officials said.

The incident occurred on Sunday after authorities received a report of swimmers in distress. An Ocean County Sheriff’s Office drone operator responded and flew a drone carrying a Restube flotation device to the scene. One of the swimmers was able to grab onto the flotation device and remain afloat until Surf City lifeguards reached the victim and brought them safely to shore.

Officials credited the successful rescue to the coordinated efforts of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and Surf City lifeguards.

The Sheriff’s Office said it regularly positions drone operators on both the north and south barrier islands during the evening hours to help enhance water safety and support emergency response efforts.