A NEW piece of technology will help provide an inshore rescue team with eyes in the sky during life-threatening incidents.

A search and rescue drone is the newest addition to the Ulverston Inshore Rescue team unveiled by volunteer Owen Collar.

The drone is being used across the world for search and rescue operations with Maryport and Bay Rescue already having their own.

Owen, a volunteer of two and a half years said: “The drone will be able to give us eyes in the sky quickly with four different cameras including a thermal imaging camera to search for missing persons and one with 200x digital zoom and night vision.”

Owen, who has passed his GVC Remote Pilots exam, said the drone will be able to operate in high winds and rain, and will ultimately help save lives.

He said: “Drones can cover large areas of our bay and the coastline of the Furness Peninsula in a short time, providing real-time visual information back to any ground crew - critical when the tide could be coming in to pinpoint any casualties and save lives.

“The tide comes in fast around our bay. They can also be used to search areas which are difficult for rescue personnel to reach.

“With the time saved locating casualties in the air, it will save lives and minimise the dangers to our land-based crew members.

“With the thermal cameras individuals can be pinpointed in low light and at night and if covered by foliage/bushes or trees can be located when ground crew could struggle.”

The crews were able to purchase the piece of equipment thanks to a donation from a private benefactor.

Owen said the team are applying to the Civil Aviation Authority for authorisation for their authorisation to use the drone - with him being the principle pilot managing their aerial operations.