No swimmer left behind: Caswell Beach first responders get remote-controlled robotic rescue buoy

CASWELL BEACH, N.C. (WECT) - A North Carolina coastal community will soon receive a state-of-the-art, remote-controlled rescue lifebuoy to help first responders save lives while keeping themselves out of harm’s way.

The nonprofit FPTower Inc. will present the U SAFE device to the Town of Caswell Beach on Tuesday, Aug. 25, as part of its annual maritime safety initiative.

The self-propelled, remote-controlled lifebuoy is designed to drive across the water directly to a person in distress, providing flotation and bringing them back to safety.

The technology allows emergency personnel to perform water rescues from a distance, reducing the need for rescuers to immediately enter dangerous surf or challenging coastal conditions.

The public is invited to a live demonstration of the device at 2 p.m. at the public beach access across from the Oak Island Lighthouse.

Oak Island/Caswell Beach was selected as one of four coastal communities to receive a U SAFE device this year.

The donation was made possible through public voting conducted during FPTower Inc.’s 2026 Save A Life Raffle, giving supporters a direct role in expanding safety technology along the state’s coast.