AquaEye, a pioneering technology expected to decrease underwater search times, was unveiled Nov. 22 by District 1 Councilmember Joe LaCava and San Diego lifeguards.
“Councilmember LaCava spearheaded the provision of cutting-edge AquaEye equipment for San Diego Lifeguards,” said Fire-Rescue Chief Colin Stowell. “Upon learning about a generous community member willing to match City funds, LaCava proactively directed D1 Community Projects Programs and Services funds toward the purchase. We now have acquired two AquaEyes, which will save personnel time and fatigue during underwater searches, particularly when compared to conventional search methods in certain incidents.”
In 2022, San Diego Fire-Rescue Lifeguards responded to 8,041 water rescues in coastal waters, Mission Bay, and city lakes. To date in 2023, lifeguards have carried out 2,579 water rescues.
In a recent incident at Mission Bay’s South Shores area, lifeguards relied on AquaEye to enhance their underwater search capabilities. The situation unfolded when a vehicle entered the water, raising concerns about potential occupants being thrown from the vehicle.
Lifeguards promptly utilized AquaEye to scour the submerged area for any bodies. Fortunately, the search yielded a positive outcome, as no individuals were found in the water.
Pointing out that more than 8,000 water rescues a year by lifeguards averages out to about 22 per day, LaCava noted, “We thought this was a good idea to have those AquaEyes around for use when we have unfortunate tragic events and can do a water rescue and do it safely. Public safety is my highest priority. The lifeguards need all the equipment that we can provide them with.”
At LaCava’s request, the City’s Department of Finance allocated $7,639 of District 1 CPPS funding for an AquaEye underwater scanner, after an anonymous donor stepped forward with matching funds to purchase a second AquaEye.
“This is one of the latest tools for the lifeguards and dive teams to use whose boats are limited in shallow water and can’t get too close to rocks,” said LaCava adding, “I was approached by an anonymous donor who’d been looking into this technology. They put up a challenge saying, ‘If the City can come up with the money to buy one AquaEye, we’ll buy one, and that way we’ll have two of these.’ I was able to take some discretionary funds that each council member’s office gets to purchase an AquaEye.”
Added LaCava: “Funding the acquisition of the AquaEye is just one part of my commitment to ensuring our lifeguards have the equipment and facilities they need for the safety of everyone who uses our beaches and bay for recreation and exercise. Whether through the budget process, direct funding, or generous donors, I am proud to fight for our lifeguards.”
CPPS is a City Council program awarding funds to nonprofits and public agencies for one-time community, social, environmental, cultural, and recreational needs. Governed by Council Policy 100-061, CPPS funds are awarded at the discretion of each council office and are paid toward the end of the fiscal year.
To learn how AquaEye works, visit youtube.com/watch?v=MhY5gshT9bc&t=2s. For more information about San Diego CPPS Funds, visit sandiego.gov/citycouncil/cpps.
