Rick Shearman, a 49-year-old bodysurfer, credits his smartwatch for saving his life after he found himself stranded over a kilometer offshore near Byron Bay, New South Wales, last July.
Shearman had been enjoying a routine bodysurfing session when he was unexpectedly swept out to sea by strong currents. With no way to return to shore and exhausted from battling the waves, he activated the emergency SOS feature on his smartwatch.
“I tried that emergency feature out of desperation and I was pretty astounded when I actually made the call through to triple zero,” Shearman told 9News. “I stayed on the line until the chopper came over the horizon and scooped me up,” he added.
Thanks to the smartwatch’s emergency function, Shearman was able to send out a distress signal, which ultimately led to his rescue. A helicopter from the Westpac Rescue team arrived and plucked him from the water.
In recognition of his survival, Shearman joined the rescue crew to film a safety campaign for Apple. Westpac Rescue officer Alex Carroll, who helped bring Shearman back to shore, recalled the dramatic rescue. “He was obviously tired and exhausted and [we] just gave him a helping hand to the beach,” Carroll said.
Shearman’s near-death experience is now featured in Apple’s latest safety campaign. Reflecting on the event, Shearman emphasized the importance of the smartwatch in his rescue. “[It] absolutely did save my life, invaluable,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here today without it.”
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