06/05/2026
📣FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 📣
FPTower Inc. Donates Life-Saving U SAFE Rescue Device to Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach Communities
🔶Public Demonstration Scheduled June 17 at Ocean Isle Beach Community Center (44 E. First Street at 9:00am)
🔶OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC — FPTower Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to maritime safety, ocean research, and preservation of maritime history, is proud to announce that the Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach communities have been selected as joint winners to receive a donated U SAFE Remote-Controlled Rescue Lifebuoy valued at approximately $8,000.
🔶A public presentation and demonstration of the device will be held on Wednesday, June 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Ocean Isle Beach Community Center, 44 East First Street, Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
🔶The donation is part of FPTower Inc.'s coastal safety initiative funded through its recent "2026 Save A Life Raffle" campaign. Community members who participated in the raffle were invited to nominate a coastal area, with each raffle ticket earning "Coastal Points" for their chosen location. At the conclusion of the campaign, the four coastal communities receiving the highest number of points were awarded a U SAFE rescue device.
🔶"Water rescue is a team effort—and our teams just got stronger. We are thrilled to welcome a new U-Safe Rescue Device to our fleet, a donation made possible by the incredible generosity of FPTower Inc.” said Richard Childres, Sunset Beach Fire Chief. “This innovative tool represents a major step forward in our ability to keep our waters safe and our communities protected. To everyone who supported this initiative: thank you.”
🔶The U SAFE is a self-propelled, remote-controlled rescue buoy designed to rapidly reach swimmers in distress while allowing first responders and rescuers to remain safely on shore or aboard a vessel. The technology reduces response times and minimizes risk to rescuers during emergency situations.
🔶The donation reflects FPTower Inc.'s commitment to extending maritime safety beyond its offshore operations and into the coastal communities it serves. Proceeds from the raffle also support the nonprofit's broader mission to advance maritime safety awareness, facilitate studies on ocean health, marine life, and climate impacts, and preserve North Carolina's maritime heritage through the ongoing stewardship of Frying Pan Tower.
🔶"This initiative demonstrates the power of community involvement," said Richard Neal, Founder and Executive Director of FPTower Inc. "Every ticket purchased not only supported the restoration and operation of the Frying Pan Tower™, but also helped place advanced water rescue technology into the hands of coastal communities where it can help save lives."
🔶Community leaders, first responders, local officials, media representatives, and members of the public are invited to attend the presentation and live demonstration.
🔶About FPTower Inc.
FPTower Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring, protecting, and preserving Frying Pan Tower while advancing maritime safety, ocean research, environmental stewardship, and educational opportunities. Located approximately 34 miles off the coast of North Carolina, Frying Pan Tower serves as a unique offshore platform supporting scientific research, emergency preparedness initiatives, and public engagement with our coastal and marine environments.
For more information, visit FPTower.org.