An Apple Watch Ultra played a crucial role in the rescue of Rick Shearman, who found himself in dangerous conditions while bodysurfing off the coast of Byron Bay, Australia. Shearman, an experienced surfer and swimmer, encountered a life-threatening situation when powerful waves swept him into an impact zone at Tallow Beach, making it impossible for him to return to shore.
According to ABC News Australia, Shearman was enjoying a day of bodysurfing when the incident took place. He initially found the conditions manageable, but the situation quickly turned perilous as he was repeatedly submerged by large waves. “I copped a couple of big ones on the head and was held under for a while. I started to panic a bit and cramp up under water there,” Shearman recounted. Despite his extensive experience in the water, he was unable to find a safe path back to the beach.
After struggling for about 20 minutes and realising the severity of his situation, Shearman knew he needed immediate help. His partner, who was on the beach, assumed he had left to go shopping, leaving Shearman alone and unsearched. Fortunately, he was wearing his Apple Watch Ultra, which has a built-in cellular connection. This feature proved to be crucial, enabling him to call Australian emergency services directly from the water.
Shearman’s call for help was not without its challenges. Battling strong winds and large swells, he found it difficult to use the watch effectively. “At this point, I was a long way out to sea, being buffeted by wind and big swells. It was actually quite difficult to utilise the watch. I had to hold it up to my ear to hear what was going on and speak to the respondent,” Shearman explained. Despite these difficulties, he stayed on the line with emergency services for an hour until rescue teams arrived.
The Apple Watch Ultra, known for its rugged design and enhanced water resistance up to 100 meters, proved to be a critical tool in Shearman’s survival. Certified waterproof since Series 2, the Apple Watch has continuously improved its durability and functionality, making it suitable for extreme conditions. This incident highlights the significant impact that technological advancements can have on personal safety and emergency response.
A lifeguard involved in the rescue operation emphasised the importance of the Apple Watch in the successful outcome. “It’s amazing that I was able to use that technology to save my life,” Shearman said, expressing his gratitude for the device. The lifeguard noted that without the watch, the rescue operation could have taken many hours or even days, significantly increasing the risk to Shearman’s life.