Apple Watch saved the life of a man swept away by floodwaters in Australia

Apple devices have many features that help users easily contact emergency services. 

Man lost at sea was saved thanks to Apple Watch

According to a report from Australia's ABC News, Shearman was surfing at Tallow Beach when he encountered a large wave. Shearman said: 'I got submerged by a few big ones and was hanging out in the water for a while, I started to panic a bit and had cramps while I was in the water' .

Although Shearman was an experienced surfer and swimmer, he realized he was in trouble after trying unsuccessfully to find a way back to shore. ' After about 20 minutes, it became clear that I wasn't going to make it back and needed help .'

Because friends on the beach thought Shearman had left to go shopping, no one was really looking for him. Luckily, Shearman is wearing an Apple Watch Ultra with built-in cellular connectivity. He then called Australia's emergency services, who stayed on the line for an hour until rescuers arrived.

'At this point I was so far from shore, buffeted by strong winds and waves, that using [the watch] was actually quite difficult. I had to put it to my ear to hear the person speaking on the other end of the line and receive instructions' . Ultimately, Shearman was rescued and is stable.

Apple Watch has been certified waterproof up to 50 meters since Series 2. Apple Watch Ultra has a more rugged design to withstand the toughest situations, and water resistance has been increased to depths 100 meters.

One beach lifeguard said the Apple Watch is a game changer in rescue work, as an operation like this at sea can take hours or even days. Shearman is very proud of his Apple Watch: 'It's amazing that I can use that technology to save my life.'

Lesley Montoya

Update 16 July 2024