Smartwatch Saves Swimmer from Rough Seas at Byron Bay

What started out as a simple morning body surf for Byron Bay man Rick Shearman turned into a harrowing ordeal in the rough seas off Tallow Beach. The 49-year-old veteran swimmer and surfer found himself caught in a challenging impact zone, battling sizeable waves as he attempted to find his way back to shore. 

Conditions worsened, and Shearman, a kilometre from the coastline, found himself in desperate need of help. 

His lifeline came in the form of his smartwatch. He activated the emergency function and managed to contact triple-0, even amidst the tumultuous waves. Directing emergency services to his location, Shearman remained calm and was finally winched to safety by a rescue helicopter after an hour-long call. 

His smartwatch was praised as a game changer by Jimmy Keogh from Surf Life Saving Far North Coast, who pointed out the vast search area that would have been involved under the prevailing rough conditions. 

Shearman, having survived his ordeal, expressed great gratitude for his smartwatch, saying, "If it wasn't for being able to access that service in my watch I'd probably be bobbing out somewhere in international waters by now."

- CyberBeat