Apple Watch Ultra played a key role in saving Rick Shearman, who found himself in dangerous conditions while bodysurfing off the coast of Byron Bay, Australia. Shearman, an experienced surfer and swimmer, faced life-threatening injuries when powerful waves swept him into the impact zone at Tallow Beach, making it impossible for him to return to shore.

According to ABC News Australia, Shearman was enjoying bodysurfing when the incident occurred. He initially found the conditions manageable, but the situation quickly turned dangerous as he was repeatedly submerged in large waves. “I got hit on the head by two big waves and I was stuck in the water for a while. I panicked a bit and started cramping underwater,” Shearman said. Despite his extensive experience in the water, he was unable to find a safe way back to the beach.

After struggling for about 20 minutes and realizing the severity of his situation, Shearman knew he needed help immediately. His companion on the beach assumed he had gone shopping, leaving Shearman alone and not searched. Luckily, he was wearing his Apple Watch Ultra, which has a built-in cellular connection. This feature proved crucial, allowing him to call Australian emergency services directly from the water.

Shearman’s call for help was not without challenges. Battling strong winds and large waves, he found it difficult to use the watch effectively. “At this point, I was very far out to sea, surrounded by wind and large waves. It was actually quite difficult to use the watch. I had to hold it close to my ear to hear what was going on and talk to the responder,” Shearman explained. Despite these difficulties, he stayed on the line with emergency services for over an hour until rescuers arrived.

The Apple Watch Ultra, known for its rugged design and water resistance up to 100 meters, proved to be a vital tool in Shearman’s survival. Certified waterproof since the Series 2, Apple Watch has continually 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 stressed the importance of the Apple Watch in the successful outcome. Expressing gratitude for the device, Shearman said, “It’s amazing that I was able to use that technology to save my life.” The lifeguard said that without the watch, the rescue operation could have taken several hours or even days, greatly increasing the risk to Shearman’s life.