Tekirdağ deploys robotic lifeguard vehicles on coastlines

Tekirdağ Metropolitan Municipality has deployed unmanned robotic lifeguard vehicles across the Marmaraereğlisi, Süleymanpaşa, and Şarköy coastlines. These remote-controlled vehicles are designed to reach individuals in danger of drowning as quickly as possible to help them stay afloat before professional lifeguards arrive on the scene.

The system significantly reduces response times. While a standard lifeguard intervention at swimming distance typically takes approximately 120 seconds, the unmanned vehicles can reach a person in as little as 20 seconds, making the initial response roughly six times faster. The vehicles are designed with high speed and maneuverability to operate in both calm and wavy sea conditions.

The operation is an integrated system involving remote-controlled vehicles, drone-supported observation, and trained operators on the shore. Drones are used to monitor wide areas of the coastline and sea surface from the air to detect potential emergencies early, allowing operators to direct the robotic vehicles to the exact location of the person in distress.