Rescue drone on northern beaches tops 1,000 operations

The pilot project using drones to reinforce safety on the beaches of La Oliva has already exceeded 1,000 interventions in its first eight months of operation. The Canary Islands Ministry of Territorial Policy, Security and Emergencies and the La Oliva City Council presented the activity report, showing 1,071 flights between July 2025 and February 2026, amounting to 176 service hours.

Operational Summary

• 724 flights were dedicated to surveillance.
• 91 flights supported lifeguard operations.
• The service participated in 10 search‑and‑rescue missions and 31 beach rescue actions.

“The service will be extended for another year, until July 2027, because its assessment among civil protection operators in Fuerteventura has been exceptionally high,” said Manuel Miranda, Councillor for Territorial Policy, Cohesion and Water of the Canary Islands Government, during the public presentation.

How the Drone System Works

The system is operated by Aeromedia UAV and involves a daily deployment of a single drone from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. The aircraft is equipped with:

• Two self‑inflating floats for water operations.
• A megaphone system to broadcast messages to beachgoers.
• A long‑range camera capable of detecting hazards and enhancing response capabilities.

Two pilots manage the drone at all times to ensure uninterrupted operation.

Although the base is located at the La Oliva lifeguard station, the service has island‑wide availability. A logistical hub is maintained at the Fuerteventura Technology Park, with priority coverage of the Corralejo beaches and the El Cotillo coastline.

Key Voices

“Incorporating new technologies is key to modernising the public emergency system in the Canary Islands,” emphasized Manuel Miranda, linking the project to future initiatives such as the Canary Islands Emergency Agency and the upcoming Civil Protection Law.

“We thank the renewal of the service after the success of this first period in safeguarding our coastline,” said Isaí Blanco, Mayor of La Oliva.

Adargoma Hernández, Councillor of the Fuerteventura Cabildo, highlighted the results, noting that Fuerteventura was chosen for this pilot because of its extensive beaches and significant tourist centers.

The presentation also featured Julio Santana, councilor for beaches in La Oliva.