Time is critical when rescuers are alerted that somebody in the water is in trouble. It could be a swimmer, a surfer, or someone who has fallen from a boat. The ‘Dolphin 1 Smart Lifebuoy’ is designed to give rapid help in these situations. It is self-propelled and controlled remotely. Rescue teams throw it into the water and then can direct it to the person in danger using a handheld remote. It has a range of 500 metres, and if it is overturned by turbulent seas, the remote operator can easily flip it back over. The propulsion comes from two propellers which are enclosed in metal casing to shield them from harming the person being rescued. The maximum speed is 15 km/h, and the fully charged battery will keep it going for 30 minutes. This remote controlled lifebuoy is designed to be large enough so that an exhausted swimmer can lay on it like a body board, and be brought safely back to shore. It can also transport a lifeguard out to someone in trouble, and keep them both afloat until a rescue boat arrives.