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Where is the latest place a drone could save your life?

Answer: the water

Drowning? There's a drone for that.

The U-SAFE lifesaver drone, from Portugal-based Noras Performance, is a self-propelled flotation device that rescuers can pilot to those in need of assistance. The remote-controlled device can be thrown into the water, driven to the victim and propel them back to safety.

The U-shaped design of the small craft allows the user to quickly grab ahold without the need to endanger rescue personnel by having them enter the water. Two electric, battery-powered turbines propel the device. By the company’s statistics, roughly 372,000 people drown each year, as many as 42 deaths per hour, per day.

Eyragon Eidam is the web editor for Government Technology magazine, after previously serving as assistant news editor and covering such topics as legislation, social media and public safety. He can be reached at eeidam@erepublic.com.