A safety buoy for your drone when flying over water

A unique perspective guarantees spectacular shots. This is not just a principle in photography and videography, it is also the reason why recording with drones is becoming increasingly popular. Capturing the extraordinary perspective from the air on water is particularly appealing to many drone pilots. However, flying a drone over the sea, lakes or rivers poses some dangers.

How can I find the drone in the water?

When flying over water, the risk of a critical drone crash is a lot higher than when flying over land. However, with a suitable buoy for the drone, you can minimize the possible damage. Because a buoy can prevent the drone from sinking after falling into the water and makes it possible for you to find the drone again. Restube automatic is a self-inflating buoy that is also increasingly used to rescue drones.

What are possible dangers and why do drones crash more often when flying over open water?

1. When flying over water, reflections caused by the water surface can interfere with the Vision Positioning System
2. Winds tend to be gusty over water
3. The drone may run out of battery faster
4. The boat might have moved from the take-off-point when the drone returns
5. Birds are potential hazards for the drone
6. Waves can be underestimated
7. Lighthouses and container vessels are disturbing the GPS signals

Why do you need a buoy for your drone when flying over water?

When a drone crashes into water, it rapidly sinks. Depending on your gear, thousands of Euros are lost, together with valuable data and a highly toxic Li-po battery. Before take-off, you should be well aware of effective recovery procedures and precautions. At least, professional drone pilots are – not only to avoid the pollution but also to get back their drones with their data media. A drone insurance mitigates the risk of a broken drone, but usually only makes up for the damage if the broken drone can be recovered.

“We organize the German Championship in kite surfing and Restube is our official safety partner. At one of our events, our film drone crashed into the sea and was never retrieved. Since then, we are using Restube automatic to protect our drones. RESTUBE is a cool team and the product is great”

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Why is the recovery of your drone so fundamental after the crash in water?

1. Insurance covers only a broken drone which can be physically presented
2. Data media must be preserved
3. The battery is polluting the environment
4. Avoid legal consequences

Do I generally need insurance for my drone?

The answer is very clear: Yes – an insurance is compulsory. You need a liability insurance for any damage that may occur during a flight. This is stipulated §102 I of the Luftverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (Air Traffic Licensing Regulations) (LuftVZO). It is best to check your existing contract whether you are sufficiently covered. In many cases it is also worth making your own drone insurance. For example, for commercial use and drones over 5 kg.

Restube automatic: The safety buoy for your drone

Restube automatic is a yellow-coloured buoy, inflating itself in seconds with a CO2 cartridge. Immediate buoyancy is 7.5kg, therefore Restube can easily save drones up to 6,5 kg take-off weight. Heavier drones should be safe and sound with more Restube automatic devices to ensure sufficient buoyancy.

Smaller drones up from 1kg carrying capacity are strong enough to bear a Restube automatic with its weight of 240grams only. For instance, a DJI Mavic Pro weighing 750 grams has a carrying capacity of more than a kilo. There are lots of Youtube videos demonstrating the carrying capacity of different drones. The larger the drone, the easier the flight without being affected by additional weight. Flight time greatly depends also on weather conditions such as wind and outside temperatures.

Restube automatic is enclosed in a pocket not larger than a smartphone. The easiest way to attach Restube automatic with your drone are two simple zip ties. They are extremely light and you can connect Restube tight. This is important not to change the flight quality. Be sure that the rotor blades do not touch Restube.

The function of Restube automatic is demonstrated in the video. Every Restube automatic can be reused by simply changing the CO2 cartridge. Instructions are printed on every buoy.

Restube automatic for the rescue of people in risk of drowning

Despite saving their „own lives“, drones with a Restube automatic may also be used to support first responders. Rescue teams are currently using it at over 40 beaches worldwide. Restube automatic is being attached to a discharging system onto the drone. In case of emergency, the drone flies towards the person in danger.

Water rescue, fire fighters and police around the world have already deployed drones with Restube automatic. One of them is the DLRG Konstanz, who were able to rescue a 13-year-old boy in Lake Constance with this system last year.

“A drone carrying a restube kit is the next step in modern life safety. Direct first aid, where every second counts. Coasts and beaches are all different one from another. Depending on the existing set-up Drones with Restube automatic can be a very valuable addition.”

Be aware! If you are using a drone check the latest EU drone regulation as well as local regulations. Also, always maintain third party privacy and do not put anyone at risk. Important note: dropping of objects – also for rescue! – is only allowed in most regions with the approval of the responsible authorities. According to our experience, professional rescue organizations such as the DLRG, water guard, fire fighter receive permanent approval for the use of a water rescue drone with little effort and very high probability.

In addition: if the Restube is attached to the triggering device on the drone using a long line, it is a matter of “putting it down”. This is not subject to any restrictions, does not require approval and is implemented accordingly by numerous users. It also simplifies positioning and readjusting, if necessary, and at the same time the drone becomes minimally susceptible to strong winds.