Remote-controlled life buoys tested along Vizag coast

The Visakhapatnam city police conducted a live demonstration of remote-controlled life buoys on Friday. The event took place at the beach opposite the YMCA on Beach Road. Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi, IPS, witnessed the demonstration.

The exercise came in response to repeated drowning incidents along the city’s coastline. It formed part of the “Safe Beach, Safe Vizag” mission, which focuses on improving safety for residents and tourists.

Mr. Bagchi said the police studied past drowning cases in detail. The review identified 16 vulnerable locations between Bheemunipatnam and Appikonda. These were areas where people lost their lives after entering the sea for bathing.

He said the police would install remote-controlled life buoys at all identified points. The department would also place warning boards and public address systems along the coast. Police personnel would remain deployed to stop people from entering dangerous waters.

In case of an emergency, operators can control the life buoys remotely. They can send the devices immediately to reach victims and begin rescue operations.

Beach safety experts welcomed the move. They said the technology marked a major improvement over traditional rescue methods. According to them, the system can reduce response time, especially during rough sea conditions.

Representatives of the manufacturing firm said the life buoys had already shown positive results in other coastal cities.

Mr. Bagchi said the police aimed to make Vizag Beach one of the safest beaches in the country in the coming year.

DCP-01 Manikantha Chendolu, IPS, the ADCP (Administration), the East ACP, other police officers, representatives of the life buoy firm, and beach lifeguards attended the demonstration.