“Florida Man” Uses Drone in Unlikely Rescue at Sea

Most headlines involving a “Florida man” suggest chaos, crime, or something involving an alligator. But this time, the story turns that trope on its head—with a drone, a rip current, and a teenager’s life on the line.

Holiday weekends bring crowds to Florida’s shores, but the ocean’s rip currents remain as dangerous as ever.

These narrow channels of fast-moving water can drag even strong swimmers away from the beach in seconds. And when lifeguards aren’t immediately nearby, the odds of survival drop quickly.

That’s where a bit of improvisation—and modern tech—made the difference.

A Desperate Moment and a DIY Rescue

Amateur fisherman Andrew Smith had just arrived at Pensacola Beach when a girl ran past, begging for help. Her friend had been pulled far from shore. No one nearby could swim out. But Smith had brought his drone—and an idea.

I was sitting there and this girl came running asking if anybody could swim. I said ‘no I absolutely could not swim’, and she was running and screaming and nobody could swim.

Smith rigged a flotation device to his drone and attempted a drop. The first try missed, but the second, made after adjusting for wind, reached the teen just in time for her to hold on until rescue teams arrived.

If it wasn’t for that second drop, she wouldn’t have made it. The EMS said she wouldn’t have made it.

According to Popular Science, emergency responders confirmed the teen had no serious injuries—and her father called Smith a “guardian angel” before they left the beach.

While drones are often associated with photography or novelty, this moment serves as a reminder of their unexpected real-world value. And in a state known for its stranger headlines, this “Florida man” story is one worth celebrating.