Drones developed at Notre Dame are assisting first responders in the location and rescue of drowning victims on Lake Michigan.

The Michigan City Fire Department says they are called out all the time for missing kids, drowning victims, boat wrecks and more. It’s often very difficult to spot a struggling person in the surf, but they’re getting a helping hand from The Fighting Irish.

A recent training exercise showed crews working alongside drones developed at the university, making the process faster and more accurate. The project was even highlighted in a commercial during a recent Notre Dame football game.

DroneResponse, the AI software used by the drones, allows them to be semi-autonomous and give the critical bird’s-eye view of the water.

It’s expected that the technology can have applications in the future with the Defense Department, energy sector, and even climate change efforts.