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RCC 317

Para ordenar al Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Asuntos Ambientales (DRNA), establecer un programa piloto para implantar un sistema de boyas de seguridad marítima técnicamente adaptable en playas de Puerto Rico con alta afluencia turística o con historial significativo de incidentes de ahogamiento; disponer que dicho sistema podrá incluir modelos innovadores de rescate pasivo, incluyendo boyas centrales con líneas radiales cortas tipo “pulpo” que permitan la sujeción temporal de personas arrastradas por corrientes; requerir que se evalúe la viabilidad de que se establezcan cámaras con inteligencia artificial con software como SightBit o LAIF; requerir la formalización de acuerdos interagenciales entre los municipios costeros, el DRNA y el Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Puerto Rico para fortalecer la seguridad en áreas de bañistas; establecer un Protocolo Uniforme de Comunicación de Riesgo Marítimo; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

DRNA would pilot adaptable maritime safety buoys with optional passive rescue devices, AI surveillance feasibility, and standardized risk communication to improve beach safety and

Referido a Comisión(es)
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Bill Summary · RCC 317

Summary of RCC 317 (Session 2025-2028) – Puerto Rico

Overview

RCC 317 proposes establishing a pilot program by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs (DRNA) to deploy a technically adaptable maritime safety buoy system on Puerto Rico’s beaches with high tourist activity or a history of drowning incidents. The bill envisions incorporating innovative passive rescue devices, evaluating surveillance enhancements with cameras using artificial intelligence, and formalizing interagency agreements to strengthen beach safety. It also calls for a Uniform Maritime Risk Communication Protocol.

Purpose and Intent

  • Improve swimmer safety on busy or high-risk Puerto Rico beaches.
  • Explore innovative rescue technologies and proactive risk communication.
  • Strengthen coordination among key government entities at the coastal level to reduce drowning incidents.

Key Provisions

1) Pilot Program for Maritime Safety Buoys

  • DRNA to establish a pilot deployment of a maritime safety buoy system on selected beaches.
  • System to be technically adaptable, suitable for varying shore conditions and tourist traffic.
  • Purpose: enhance immediate water safety and support rescue operations.

2) Innovative Passive Rescue Devices

  • The system may include innovative passive rescue models.
  • Example: central buoys with short radial lines (described as a “pulpo” design) to allow temporary restraint of individuals swept by currents.
  • Goal: provide interim stabilization and rescue aid until responders reach the scene.

3) Assessment of AI-Enhanced Surveillance

  • The bill requires evaluating the feasibility of installing cameras with AI software (examples given: SightBit or LAIF).
  • Potential functions: real-time monitoring for risk detection, incident response support, and faster emergency notification.

4) Interagency Agreements

  • Formalize interagency agreements among:
    • Coastal municipalities
    • DRNA
    • Puerto Rico Department of Public Safety
  • Objective: strengthen safety operations, coordination, and rapid response near bathing areas.

5) Uniform Maritime Risk Communication Protocol

  • Establish a standardized protocol for communicating maritime risk to the public.
  • Aims to provide clear, consistent public notices and warnings about water safety conditions and incidents.

6) Additional Provisions

  • Provisions described as “para otros fines relacionados,” indicating potential ancillary or related authorities and actions to support the primary safety objective.

Affected Parties and Scope

  • Primary Agency: DRNA (Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales)
  • Coastal Municipalities: Potential adoption and implementation at the local level
  • Public Safety Sector: Puerto Rico Department of Public Safety (for interagency coordination)
  • Public/Beachgoers: Direct beneficiaries through enhanced safety measures and clearer risk communication
  • Technological/Operational Stakeholders: Entities involved in AI surveillance, rescue equipment, and maintenance of buoy systems

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Status: Appears in Primera Lectura (First Reading) in the House (2026-03-19).
  • Referral: Sent to appropriate committees for study and deliberation (2026-03-19).
  • Rationale for Timeline: As a pilot program, it would likely require phased implementation, monitoring, and reporting to determine feasibility, effectiveness, and potential scale-up.

Potential Impact (What This Could Change)

  • Enhanced water safety infrastructure at high-risk beaches.
  • Introduction of novel rescue concepts that may reduce drownings and improve rescue times.
  • Increased use of AI-enabled surveillance to detect hazards and respond promptly.
  • Strengthened governance and cooperation across municipal and state agencies for coastal safety.
  • Standardized risk communication may lead to quicker awareness and preventive actions by beachgoers.

Notes

  • Specific operational details (locations, funding, performance metrics, and sunset/renewal provisions) are not provided in the available text and would be clarified during committee deliberations and any subsequent amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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