Highlights
- Experienced body surfer Rick Shearman rescued using Apple Watch emergency call
- Swept 1 km from shore by strong ocean current, Shearman used his watch to call for help
- Rescued after an hour-long call, guided emergency services to his location
- Apple Watch praised as a “game changer” by Surf Life Saving Far North Coast
In a dramatic rescue off the coast of New South Wales, Australia, the Apple Watch once again proved its worth as a potentially life-saving device.
Rick Shearman, a 49-year-old experienced body surfer, found himself in a perilous situation when a powerful ocean current swept him far from shore.
Jimmy Keogh, from Surf Life Saving Far North Coast, who assisted in the rescue operation, highlighted the importance of the device in such adverse circumstances. “The Apple Watch made a huge difference. With the conditions we had, the search area would have been substantial, involving multiple agencies and could have lasted for days“, he explained.
Ocean Peril Meets Modern Technology
Despite his daily routine of body surfing, Shearman was caught off guard by the current’s strength.
After 20 minutes of struggling against the tide, he realized he was in serious trouble.
Cramps set in, panic began to rise, and he was now a kilometer from the safety of the beach.
In this moment of crisis, Shearman remembered his Apple Watch.
Even while treading water, he managed to activate the emergency call feature.
This simple action set in motion a rescue operation that would ultimately save his life.
“I copped a couple of big ones on the head and was held under for a while, I started to panic a bit and cramp up underwater there. It became clear after about 20 minutes that I wasn’t going to make it back in and I needed some assistance,” said Rick Shearman.
A Challenging Rescue
The rescue was not without its challenges.
Shearman struggled to communicate his location and needs through the watch while battling waves and wind.
Despite these obstacles, he remained on the call for an hour, guiding emergency services to his position.
The dramatic rescue concluded with Shearman being winched to safety by a helicopter.
Jimmy Keogh from Surf Life Saving Far North Coast hailed the Apple Watch as a “game changer” that undoubtedly saved Shearman’s life.
Shearman himself was grateful for the technology, stating, “if it wasn’t for being able to access that service in my watch, I’d probably be bobbing out somewhere in international waters by now. It’s amazing that I was able to use that technology to save my life.”
This event adds to the increasing number of rescues made possible by the Apple Watch, which includes anything from identifying irregular cardiac conditions to notifying emergency personnel following falls or auto accidents.
It acts as a potent reminder of how wearable technology might offer an essential safety net during unforeseen dangerous situations.
FAQs
How did Rick Shearman use his Apple Watch during the rescue?
Rick Shearman activated the emergency call feature on his Apple Watch while treading water, enabling him to contact emergency services and guide them to his location.
What challenges did Shearman face during the rescue?
Shearman struggled to communicate his location through the watch while battling waves and wind, but he stayed on the call for an hour until he was rescued.
How was Shearman ultimately rescued?
Shearman was winched to safety by a helicopter after guiding emergency services to his position using his Apple Watch.
What did emergency services say about the Apple Watch’s role in the rescue?
Jimmy Keogh from Surf Life Saving Far North Coast called the Apple Watch a “game changer” that undoubtedly saved Shearman’s life.
What other life-saving incidents involve the Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch has previously been credited with saving lives by identifying irregular cardiac conditions, notifying emergency personnel after falls or auto accidents, and now aiding in ocean rescues.
How to call the emergency services on your Apple Watch?
Press and hold your watch’s side button (the button below the Digital Crown) until the Emergency Call slider appears.
Drag the Emergency Call slider to start the call immediately.
Or you can keep holding the side button, then after a countdown your watch will call the emergency services automatically.
Also Read: Apple Watch Series 9: Five Features To Admire & Two Reasons for Second Thoughts
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