PHOENIX — Thirteen people have drowned in Arizona lakes and rivers this summer. Divers often faced murky waters with zero visibility when trying to rescue victims, which can complicate rescue efforts and leave families waiting agonizingly to find their loved ones.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office now has a remotely operated underwater vehicle, which it says will be a great help in rescue efforts.

“Our mission is to find them, rescue them and bring them home to their families,” said Sergeant Jason Gilchrist with the Maricopa County Lake Patrol.

The Ocean Botics SRV-8, which cost the sheriff's office about $400,000, has already aided in three searches since the office acquired it a little over a month ago.

Among those rescued were cousins ​​of an Afghan refugee who drowned in the Salt River over the weekend.

RELATED: Men who drowned in Salt River identified as cousins ​​who were refugees from Afghanistan

The ROV (remotely operated vehicle) has two LED lights on the front that give the operator a good view through the live feed camera.

“An operator sits in front of a computer screen, reading the sonar and taking real-time video,” Gilchrist said.

The sheriff's office responded to 13 drownings this summer alone: ​​two on Saguaro Lake, four on Lake Pleasant, two on Bartlett Lake, three on Canyon Lake, three on the Salt River and one on the Horseshoe.

“Even if you're a confident swimmer and you're not in danger, always wear a PFD,” Gilchrist says. “As far as I know, no one has drowned wearing a PFD in the last 25 years.”

Gilchrist, who is considered one of the most experienced underwater search and rescue experts in the country and is often called upon by other jurisdictions to assist with rescue efforts, told 12News that the new ROV is a game changer that should help many families find closure in the coming years.

Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel: Subscribe now.