FPTower Inc. to Present U SAFE® Remote-Controlled Lifebuoy to Carolina Beach/Kure Beach
CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. — FPTower Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing maritime safety, marine science and research, and ocean discovery, will present a U SAFE® remote-controlled rescue lifebuoy to the Carolina Beach/Kure Beach coastal communities on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk located at the eastern end of Cape Fear Boulevard.
The lifesaving device is one of four U SAFE rescue lifebuoys being donated to North Carolina coastal communities through FPTower Inc.’s 2026 Save A Life Raffle, which invited participants to help select communities to receive the innovative water-rescue technology. Carolina Beach and Kure Beach were paired during the community voting and selected to receive one shared device, with Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue serving as the receiving and operating agency.
FPTower Inc. representatives and Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue met with members of the Carolina Beach Town Council on August 25 to discuss the donation and how the Carolina Beach Fire Department’s Ocean Rescue team plans to incorporate the U SAFE device into its water-rescue capabilities.
The September 16 event will include an official presentation of the device followed by a public demonstration showing how the self-propelled, remote-controlled lifebuoy can be deployed to reach a person in the water.
“One of the most rewarding parts of the Save A Life initiative is seeing this technology move from an idea into the hands of the people who can put it to work protecting our coastal communities,” said Richard Neal, Executive Director of FPTower Inc. “The U SAFE device provides another option for reaching someone in distress, particularly in conditions where entering the water may also put a rescuer at risk. This is exactly what our maritime safety mission is about—using innovation and partnerships to help save lives while also helping protect those who respond.”
Innovative Technology Supporting Ocean Rescue
Unlike a traditional throwable flotation device, the U SAFE is a self-propelled, remote-controlled rescue lifebuoy that can be navigated through the water toward a person in distress. Its stand-off rescue capability can provide trained responders with an additional tool for initiating assistance from a distance while determining the safest approach to a water-rescue situation.
For Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue, the donation provides another resource that can be incorporated into its broader approach to public safety and emergency response along the coast.
“We’re grateful to FPTower Inc. and everyone who supported the Save A Life Raffle for selecting our community to receive this equipment,” said Shawn Kelly, Ocean Rescue Captain with the Carolina Beach Fire Department. “Our team is always looking at tools and strategies that can strengthen our response capabilities. The U SAFE gives us another option for reaching someone in distress while helping us evaluate conditions and manage risk to our rescuers. We’re looking forward to putting the device through its paces and incorporating it into our rescue planning.”
Bringing the Mission Closer to Shore
The Carolina Beach/Kure Beach donation reflects FPTower Inc.’s continued commitment to bringing its mission from the tower to the shore.
Following the nonprofit’s transition beyond the Frying Pan Shoals Light Tower, FPTower Inc. is building upon more than a decade of experience in offshore operations, maritime safety, scientific collaboration, technology, and public engagement to create programs and partnerships that directly benefit coastal communities.
Maritime Safety remains one of the organization’s three primary mission areas, alongside Marine Science & Research and Ocean Discovery.
Through its strategic maritime safety partnership with U SAFE Rescue, FPTower Inc. is also working to increase awareness of innovative rescue technology and help connect municipalities, first responders, rescue organizations, and other interested organizations with resources to strengthen their water-safety capabilities.
Public Invited to Presentation and Demonstration
Members of the public, local officials, first responders, community organizations, and media are invited to attend the presentation and demonstration.
WHAT: U SAFE® Remote-Controlled Rescue Lifebuoy Presentation & Demonstration
WHEN: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Carolina Beach, N.C.
HOSTED BY: FPTower Inc. and Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue
About FPTower Inc.
FPTower Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization advancing Maritime Safety, Marine Science & Research, and Ocean Discovery through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, technology, education, and community engagement. Building upon the legacy and experience developed through its stewardship of Frying Pan Tower™, FPTower Inc. is bringing its mission closer to shore to create lasting public impact throughout coastal communities.
Media Contact:
Richard Neal
FPTower Inc.
Richard@FPTower.org
(704) 907-0399
FPTower.org
