Canterbury, 13 November 2025 - Coastguard Sumner volunteer Daniel Manchester has returned from an inspiring trip to California, where he and his employer Proform Group were honoured as one of three international finalists for DroneDeploy’s prestigious Guardians of Safety Award.
Although not the category winner, Daniel received special recognition from DroneDeploy’s Not‑for‑Profit division for his pioneering use of 3D modelling in search and rescue (SAR) operations and for developing what may be a first-of-its-kind Drone SAR Training Simulator. DroneDeploy has expressed strong interest in continuing to support Coastguard Sumner’s innovative approach to integrating aerial imagery and modelling into SAR operations.
Over three days of intensive training, technology demonstrations, and presentations from global industry leaders, Daniel gained invaluable insights. A highlight was connecting with Linna Selbrede, keynote speaker and Gulf Coast Division Leader of TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue). Coastguard Sumner has already begun exploring TEXSAR’s Automated Drone Image Analysis Tool (ADIAT) - an open-source AI application designed to accelerate image review during SAR operations. This new relationship has established a feedback loop, enabling Coastguard Sumner to refine its adoption of ADIAT while contributing to its ongoing development.
Coastguard Sumner’s drone programme, now in its second year, is attracting international attention. Selbrede trialled Daniel’s SAR training simulator and offered highly positive feedback, expressing interest in exploring its use within TEXSAR’s own operations - a promising step toward deeper collaboration.
The conference also featured a proud Kiwi connection: Daniel met up with a Coastguard Waiheke volunteer, now working with DroneDeploy’s Robotics and AI division in Auckland, who expressed enthusiasm for Coastguard Sumner’s drone programme and its potential rollout across other Coastguard units.
Beyond SAR, Daniel dedicates time to marine mammal conservation through drone operations. During his visit to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, he learned about their vessel-based drone deployment methods - a challenge Coastguard Sumner is actively addressing. While there, Daniel joined a live call-out with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, assisting in a sea lion recovery mission where drones were used to document the operation, providing valuable insights into strengthening marine response capabilities.
Daniel and Proform Group’s achievement highlights Coastguard’s drive to strengthen volunteer capability through innovation. By adopting cutting-edge drone technology, 3D modelling, and AI-driven tools, Coastguard Sumner is enhancing how our volunteers respond to emergencies - making operations faster, safer, and more effective. These advancements ensure our people have the best tools possible to save lives on the water.
