Remote-controlled buoy can reach someone in the water within seconds and has the potential to save a lot of lives

A Portuguese company has created the U Safe – an incredible remote-controlled buoy that could be a literal life saver out on the water.

Performing a water rescue is a seriously dangerous operation for lifeguards and first responders. 

But Noras Performance has come up with a simple yet smart solution in the form of its U Safe. 

The award-winning safety device will brave the waves, meaning a lifeguard doesn’t have to – you can check it out in the clip above. 

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The remote-controlled U Safe buoy is easy to use and could be a literal life saver

Anyone who has spent any time around water will probably be familiar with buoys. 

But Noras Performance has brought the age-old item into the 21st century by turning it into a remote-controlled lifesaver. 

The U-shaped device is powered by a battery and can be safely controlled by someone standing on dry land. 

When it’s chucked into the water, it can propel itself using a pair of electric turbines that suck in water and then spit it out the back. 

Its remote control features a simple thumbstick, so it’s easy to navigate even in choppy waters. 

The buoy can move at speeds of a little over 9mph in the water, meaning it can get to victims quickly. 

Once it has made contact with the victim, the U Safe will have enough power to drag them back towards the safety of the shore. 

It’s also very user-friendly and easy to get the hang of.

“Its development aimed at simple and intuitive use, in order to allow anyone to perform a rescue, without previous training,” the company explained on its website. 

As well as being fast and efficient, the U Safe is able to carry out rescues even in severely rough conditions or in rocky areas, which could pose a challenge to a human rescuer. 

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The device has received a lot of praise from those who have used it

The U Safe was introduced back in 2017, and in 2023, it was recognized by the CES Innovation Awards Program. 

Since its launch, it’s been adopted for use by coast guards in Portugal, where it was invented, and Italy.

It’s also received plenty of glowing praise from those who have used it for water rescues.

Lieutenant Hager, a US Coast Guard, put the device through its paces a couple of years back and was left seriously impressed. 

“Great in getting into areas where we can’t get vessels and small boats to recover conscious people,” he said. 

Former Navy Commander Vice-Admiral Joe Philips was also quick to praise the U Safe. 

“Dispatched within seconds and quickly reaches the man overboard without risking the lives of other crew members,” he said. 

While a professional lifeguard said it was ‘really fast, very easy to control’. 

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