A new way to keep people safe at Cornwall’s beaches is being tested using the latest technology.

Drones are being sent out across the sea, keeping a close eye on beach users to spot the signs of anyone in potential danger.

The drones, manufactured by Swell Pro, are waterproof and capable of improving observation of people in the water, broadcasting pre-recorded and live messages via a Tannoy system, and even have the potential to deploy lifesaving items such as inflatable buoys.

A trial began at the weekend at Crantock Beach in Newquay, which, if successful, could see the drones rolled out across other beaches.

It is through a new partnership between the Royal Life Saving Society UK and the RNLI, testing the use of a new Emergency Response Drone Pilot rescue service.

Peter Dawes, RNLI Lifeguard operations manager, said: “The River Gannel that runs through the middle of Crantock Beach and, particularly at low tide, makes access across the broad expanse of beach and to the water’s edge difficult for our patrol vehicles.

“The drone will allow the lifeguards to undertake rapid observations across a wide area, and the integrated speaker system allows the lifeguards to help inform and give proactive safety advice to the public.

“RNLI lifeguards play a vital role in keeping the public safe when they are visiting the beach. We welcome the opportunity to be part of the RLSS UK’s trial and help them develop this lifesaving equipment within an operational beach set-up.”

The drones have been developed with special ‘eagle eye’ technology, to further increase their use in this new role.

Robert Gofton, CEO at the Royal Life Saving Society UK, said: “We are excited to see how this trial develops drones becoming a piece of equipment to support the lifeguards of the future.

“Drones have been around for a while, and we are constantly looking for ways to use their capabilities in helping to keep people safe on our very busy beaches.”