Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What are some common safety concerns at beaches?
- What benefits do you think drones could bring to beach management or lifeguard operations?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- risk /risk/
- annually /AN-yoo-uh-lee/
- renewed /ri-NOOD/
- spot /spot/
- crucial /KROO-shuhl/
[noun] – the possibility of something bad happening
The company decided to invest in cybersecurity measures to mitigate the risk of data breaches and protect sensitive information.
[adverb] – once every year
The local wildlife sanctuary annually organizes a recurring event to celebrate the arrival of migratory birds during the spring season.
[adjective] – begun or happening again
The team’s renewed determination after the halftime break led to a stunning comeback and victory.
[verb] – to see or notice someone or something, usually because you are looking hard
I quickly spotted the lifeguard’s signal flag, which alerted us to the potential danger in the water.
[adjective] – extremely important or necessary
Wearing a helmet while riding a bike is crucial for your safety.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Off the coast of Long Island, New York, a positive transformation is occurring in the waters, characterized by warmer temperatures and improved cleanliness. This change has brought more baitfish and their predators, including sharks. While this shift is beneficial for the ecosystem, it has also raised safety concerns for beachgoers. To address these potential risks, officials at Jones Beach, a popular state park that attracts six million visitors annually, have turned to drones for safety monitoring. Drones operated by lifeguards and New York State Park Police are now keeping a vigilant watch over the waters. When sharks or unusual marine behavior are detected, swimmers are quickly alerted to stay close to the shore.
Initially launched in 2017, the drone program has gained renewed significance following recent shark-related incidents along New York’s beaches this summer. While the likelihood of shark attacks is low, recent events have prompted a more proactive stance. At Jones Beach, a fleet of 19 drones, managed by lifeguards and supported by a mobile command center, is employed. These drones are equipped with advanced cameras capable of capturing underwater images from a height of around 25 feet. Beyond spotting potential dangers, this technology can aid in search and rescue missions. Despite the program’s costs, authorities consider the drone initiative crucial for safeguarding beachgoers. It’s worth noting that drone operations strictly adhere to guidelines that prioritize public safety and privacy.
Initially launched in 2017, the drone program has gained renewed significance following recent shark-related incidents along New York’s beaches this summer. While the likelihood of shark attacks is low, recent events have prompted a more proactive stance. At Jones Beach, a fleet of 19 drones, managed by lifeguards and supported by a mobile command center, is employed. These drones are equipped with advanced cameras capable of capturing underwater images from a height of around 25 feet. Beyond spotting potential dangers, this technology can aid in search and rescue missions. Despite the program’s costs, authorities consider the drone initiative crucial for safeguarding beachgoers. It’s worth noting that drone operations strictly adhere to guidelines that prioritize public safety and privacy.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Why have safety concerns arisen for beachgoers in relation to the increased marine activity?
- How are officials at Jones Beach addressing the safety concerns posed by the increased marine activity?
- When were drones first introduced for safety monitoring at Jones Beach, and why has their significance increased recently?
- What is the purpose of the drone program at Jones Beach, and how many drones are currently being used?
- Apart from spotting potential dangers, what additional purpose can drone technology serve in beach safety?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen any marine life or noticed strange behavior from marine animals while swimming or at the beach? If yes, how did you and others react, and did it change your thoughts about beach safety? If not, what safety measures would make you feel more comfortable in the ocean?
- Have you been to a beach with lifeguards or safety measures? If so, how did those measures, like using drones for safety at Jones Beach, affect how safe and enjoyable you felt? If not, how do you think such measures could make your beach experience better?
- Do you think using drones to monitor safety at beaches is a good balance between public safety and privacy?
- Besides using drones, what other ways can we make sure we’re safe while at the beach?
- Drones are increasingly used for safety on beaches. Can you think of other ways drones could be used to keep people safe and respond to emergencies in different situations?