JERUSALEM (AP) — As Israel prepares for a busy summer season, the volunteer emergency medical organization United Hatzalah has launched new aquatic rescue and drone units aimed at improving emergency response at beaches, waterways, and outdoor recreation areas.
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The initiative includes an aquatic rescue boat stationed on the Sea of Galilee and teams of trained volunteers equipped to respond to water-related emergencies. The organization has also expanded its drone operations to assist in search-and-rescue missions and locating missing persons in remote areas and bodies of water.
According to the organization, drone teams recently assisted authorities in locating the body of a drowning victim off the coast of Netanya.
United Hatzalah said it is also using artificial intelligence tools to analyze emergency response data, traffic patterns, demographic information and other factors to help predict where emergencies are most likely to occur, allowing medics and equipment to be positioned in high-risk areas before incidents are reported.
The launch comes as millions of Israelis and visitors are expected to visit beaches, hiking trails, nature reserves and other outdoor destinations during the summer months. The organization urged the public to follow basic safety precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding excessive sun exposure, swimming only in designated areas and adhering to hiking safety guidelines.