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Battery-powered surfboard could help save lives

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.,None — WFTV was there Tuesday when Volusia County Beach Patrol officers tested out some new technology they said can save lives.

It's a new kind of surfboard with a propulsion system built into it that can be used to rescue swimmers from rip currents.

The surfboard looks like something from the future, but it's not -- it's new technology from California.

Volusia County Beach Patrol Deputy Chief Scott Petersohn was among the first to test it at Ponce Inlet. He said the dual jet-powered board could save lives.

"It's got a lot of positives and I could see it being used," Petersohn said.

It's called a Wavejet, a battery-powered water propulsion system that slides and locks to the bottom of a specially-designed board.

It was originally designed for surfing, with professional surfer Corey Lopez trying it out. But officials with Beach Patrol said the board's 20 pounds of thrust, which can push a lifeguard 5 to 10 mph, and can get them to swimmers caught in rip currents faster.

"You're still paddling and it's still a physical thing, but it makes you access the victim faster. You get out through the waves a little quicker," Petersohn said.

Volusia County lifeguards have rescued more than 5,000 people from rip currents in the past three years.

Officials said this could make it easier. Right now, the Wavejet isn't sold to the public, but Beach Patrol will research it further.

If it proves useful as a lifesaving tool, more Wavejets could be seen.

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