Boy found mile away from parent on Oak Island beach thanks to drone tech
OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — A child was reunited with their parent after wandering far away in Oak Island this week
It happened Wednesday. At 1:45 PM, responders were notified of a missing child from the area just east of the Oak Island Pier.
The drone unit immediately launched, while the parent was able to watch the drone’s monitor and help find their child within minutes.
The child had traveled more than a mile west of the Pier, and was located around SE 70th St.
Members of the town’s Ocean Rescue Unit provided a ride back to the Pier in the new Utility Vehicles, recently entered into service.
The Oak Island Fire Department says: While the child was not in immediate danger, and this call had a positive outcome, it provides a great opportunity for some important safety reminders:
1. Just like “highway hypnosis” can affect you while driving, the similar lines of the beach and sea landscape can often have you walking much farther than you might realize. this can lead to fatigue, and as in a recent missing persons case, disorientation. If going on a long walk, take frequent pauses to note your surroundings and how far you’ve come, and remember to save enough energy to make it back!
2. Exploring your surroundings can be fun. If ANY of your family (not just children) like to go for walks, remember to take a photo of them when heading out onto the beach, so that we’ll know what they look like and what they’re wearing that day, to help make locating them easier if needed.
3. Finally, remember to “make a game plan when you hit the sand.” Make sure everyone knows WHEN and WHERE to meet in case they get separated or go off to do their own thing.
For more safety tips, you can reach out to use directly through the Contact Form at OakIslandNC.gov/FD
