China’s “Flying Lifebuoy” Promises To Save Lives At Sea

Key points

China unveils a “flying lifebuoy” drone to aid drowning victims
Device can race across the air at 47 km/h and support two adults
Already tested on beaches and flood-prone areas in southern China

BEIJING: Imagine a lifebuoy that doesn’t have to be thrown from the shore or a boat, instead, it flies through the air, lands on the water, and keeps people afloat until help arrives. That’s exactly what Chinese engineers have created, and it is now being hailed as a breakthrough in water rescue technology.

The device, nicknamed a “flying lifebuoy,” looks like a small drone but operates like a floating ring once it touches the water. Lifeguards or rescuers can launch it with the push of a button. It races across the air at up to 47 kilometres per hour, far quicker than any swimmer could manage, and reaches a person in distress within moments. Once in the water, it turns into a buoy strong enough to support two adults until rescuers can pull them to safety.

🚀 China Unveils Flying Lifebuoy That Can Save People from Drowning!

The new device is designed to reach victims faster and rescue lives in emergencies. 🌊

Innovation racing against time to save lives. pic.twitter.com/ACF7MWNhGx

— Defence Index (@Defence_Index) September 1, 2025

Developed by a company in southern China, the lifebuoy drone has already been tested on beaches and in flood-prone areas. Operators say it can withstand strong winds and waves, which often make traditional rescue efforts difficult. It also features a small camera, allowing the person controlling it to see exactly where to steer, even in poor visibility.

Experts believe this could change the way lifeguards and emergency teams work. Instead of risking their own lives by diving straight into rough seas or floodwaters, they can first send in the drone.

“Every second counts when someone is drowning. If a drone can get there faster, it gives rescuers a crucial advantage,” one lifeguard told Chinese state media.

This flying lifebuoy is not alone. In recent years, other versions of rescue drones have appeared. Some models are designed to hover over rivers or coastal waters, while others deploy inflatable rings to rescue people in danger. Similar devices have been tested in Europe and Australia, where lifeguards have used them to reach swimmers caught in rip currents.

The idea behind all of them is the same: speed. A drowning person can lose consciousness in under two minutes, far quicker than it often takes a human rescuer to reach them. Drones that can fly over obstacles and get directly to the victim offer a chance to bridge that gap.

For now, China’s invention is drawing global attention, especially in countries vulnerable to floods or with long coastlines. With climate change bringing heavier rains and rising seas, experts predict that demand for such life-saving tools will only grow.