Darryl Boxberger
An Australian kayaker summoned help with the emergency calling feature of Apple Watch, after strong currents left him stranded out to sea more than two miles from shore.
A man from New South Wales was pushed far out into sea on his kayak on June 18 at around 9 am local time. A report by The Daily Mail said that a hazardous surf warning was in effect for the area when he encountered trouble.
After being separated from his partner, his craft drifted into the middle of the ocean off Sydney's north coast where he was unable to paddle back to shore. According to rescue authorities, it was then when the man called for help using his Apple Watch's emergency services calling feature.
He was rescued by members of Surf Lifesaving NSW responding to a call by state law enforcement at around 9:30 am local time. Taken aboard a Westpac rescue helicopter, the man displayed signs of fatigue and mild hypothermia but later refused medical attention when the craft landed in Balmoral.
New South Wales police was able to get into contact with the man's partner, who had returned to shore safely earlier in the day.
The Apple Watch has enjoyed a reputation of being a vital piece in helping save users' lives in dangerous situations.
Earlier in November 2021, a cyclist was able to call for emergency assistance after he was hit by a car while on his bike. In February 2022, a man was able to receive timely medical assistance after suffering from a head injury after falling off a bike. Most recently in June, a woman was rescued from the Columbia River after her foot was stuck between the rocks of the river bed, and subsequently used the Apple Watch to call for help.
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
4 Comments
Does Apple go around and actively promote these stories so they get picked up by the press?
Curious as to whether he had his phone with him or the watch had phone service.
Off the NSW coast in the middle of a cold winter. No wonder he had signs of hypothermia. We just aren’t used to that kind of thing.