Drones to be used in coastguard search-and-rescue operations
Drones will be deployed to help with coastguard search-and-rescue operations for the first time this weekend.
The unmanned aircraft will be launched from Caernarfon to support sea and mountain missions, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.
Safety patrols across beaches from Conwy Bay to Llandudno, and across Snowdonia will be carried out this weekend.
The drones will be used to help operation staff in live situations to provide the best response. Footage of incidents will be relayed to staff allowing helicopter crew to remain on the ground until required.
Initially, the unmanned aircraft will operate only at weekends for HM Coastguard with Bristow carrying on its routine testing during the week.
Maritime minister Kelly Tolhurst said: "We will stop at nothing to keep people safe on our shores and in our seas, exploring new and innovative ways to further bring search and rescue into the 21st century.
"Drones have the potential to help our coastguard teams help save even more lives, so I'm excited we're pioneering these advances in the UK."
Director of HM Coastguard Claire Hughes said: "Search and rescue is about saving lives. Every second counts and every minute saved can prove the difference between life and death.
"This kind of technology has a big part to play in those moments alongside our helicopters, coastguard rescue teams and our partners from the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) to independent lifeboats and hovercraft."