When someone falls into icy water or is swept away, every second counts. A new drone system is helping first responders reach victims faster without putting rescuers at risk.

Developed by the USAR Drone Team, the system delivers an automatic flotation rescue ring directly to a person in distress. It is designed to work even if a victim’s hands are numb from the cold.

Michael Parziale, founder and team leader, said the rescue rings are tethered to the drone.

“We lift it off and fly it right to the victim. It only takes a matter of minutes to get set up in an emergency,” he said.

Once the victim grabs the ring, it releases automatically. First responders can then pull the person to safety, whether on ice, in the water or in the ocean.

“With an ice water rescue, you normally need special equipment including rubber suits, ladders, dozens of methods depending on the department,” Parziale said. “With the drone, help can arrive in three to five minutes.”

The initiative was inspired by past water rescues that arrived too late during the summer. Parziale said the goal is to expand the system to save more lives while keeping rescuers safe.

The USAR Drone Team says the program is funded through donations and relies on community support to purchase equipment, maintain drones and continue expanding the rescue system.

The drone team has deployed in New Jersey multiple times for emergency responses, including a lost boater in Manasquan and a body recovery in Keyport.