A swimming pool skimmer comprises a buoyant skimmer body. The swimming pool skimmer further comprises an electrical power supply including a solar cell mounted to a topside of the skimmer body. A set of proximity sensors are operatively connected to the electrical power supply, and are mounted at a forward end of the skimmer body. The set of proximity sensors are configured to generate a signal in response to detecting an obstruction. A set of pump jets are operatively connected to both the electrical power supply and the set of proximity sensors. The set of pump jets are configured to activate in response to the signal from the set of proximity sensors, thereby rotating the swimming pool skimmer away from the obstruction.