Apple devices have many features that make it easy for users to contact emergency services. Luckily, when Rick Shearman found himself stranded in rough seas off Byron Bay, Australia, he was able to call for help using his Apple Watch Ultra.
Man stranded at sea rescued thanks to Apple Watch
According to Australia’s ABC News, Shearman was body surfing at Tallow Beach when he got caught in the impact zone of a breaking wave. “I had two big waves hit me over the head and I was stuck underwater for a while. I started to panic a bit and then I started to hang up in the water,” Shearman said.
Although Mr Shearman is an experienced surfer and swimmer, he found himself in trouble as he couldn’t find his way back to shore. “After about 20 minutes I realized I wasn’t going to get back and I needed help.”
His partner, who was on the beach, assumed the surfer had gone shopping, so no one was looking for him, but Shearman was wearing an Apple Watch Ultra, which has cellular connectivity built in. He called Australia’s emergency services and remained on the phone for an hour before rescuers arrived.
“At this point I was quite far out at sea and being tossed around by the wind and big swells. It was actually quite difficult to use (the watch). I had to hold it to my ear to hear what was going on and to speak to the respondents.” But despite the difficulties, Mr Shearman was rescued and is doing well.
Apple Watch has been certified waterproof up to 50 meters since Series 2. With a more rugged design to withstand the most extreme scenarios imaginable, Apple Watch Ultra now has increased water resistance to a depth of up to 100 meters.
The beach lifeguard said the Apple Watch was a game changer for these rescues on the high seas, as they can take hours or even days. “It’s amazing that I was able to use this technology to save my life,” Schierman said of the Apple Watch.
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