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Tekirdag Metropolitan Municipality has rolled out remote-controlled unmanned lifeguard vehicles along beaches in Marmaraereglisi, Suleymanpasa and Sarkoy, aiming to reach people at risk of drowning significantly faster during the summer season.
The vehicles, which will operate along the coastline, including at Blue Flag beaches, are designed to move at high speed and maneuver through rough sea conditions.
Once they reach a person in distress, they provide immediate flotation support, helping the individual remain above water until further assistance arrives.
The unmanned vehicles work together with drone-supported observation systems and lifeguard operators stationed onshore, creating an integrated response system for emergencies at sea.
According to the municipality, reaching a person at a standard swimming distance normally takes around 120 seconds, while the new vehicles can bring that average down to roughly 20 seconds, making the initial response about six times faster.
The technology is intended to strengthen the existing lifeguard infrastructure rather than operate independently, with shore teams directing the vehicles remotely during rescue operations.
Tekirdag Metropolitan Mayor Candan Yuceer said the municipality had brought in the next-generation vehicles because seconds can become critical during drowning incidents.
"Sometimes you only have seconds to save a life. With this awareness, we have put our new-generation unmanned lifeguard vehicles into service on our beaches to further strengthen the safety of our citizens.
Acting with a 'safety first' approach, we will continue to integrate modern technology into our services so that both our residents and visitors to our city can enjoy our seas safely," Yuceer said.
The unmanned lifeguard vehicles were put into service after completing drills and practical rescue scenarios. They will remain on duty at designated beaches throughout the summer season.
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