RV SAFETY: Do Personal Locator Beacons save your bacon? How PLBs can save your life

Do Personal Locator Beacons REALLY send life-saving help when you need it? As a full-time solo RVer, I have the Res-Q-Link PLB. Today, I'll tell you if it works, how PLBs work with the SARSAT system and if other brands like Iridium Go or Garmin's Intouch might be a better choice. If you hike, travel, or just like to go for a hike, one of these beacon's might be an important part of your safety gear.
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[@CreativityRV]

*HERE ARE THE LINKS (scroll down)! +THE PLBs ARE HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/creativityrv +VISIT Robin's OTHER website WordsInspired.com: www.wordsinspired.com/ +READ ROBIN'S #1 BESTSELLING BOOK, Be A Nomad Change Your Life: amzn.to/2U7XZlw +LINK TO MY AMAZON GEAR :www.amazon.com/shop/creativityrv +READ ROBIN'S #1 BESTSELLING BOOK, Be A Nomad Change Your Life: amzn.to/2U7XZlw +SUBSCRIBE TO ROBIN'S BLOG Here: www.creativityrv.com/ +SEE ALL THE T-SHIRTS HERE! teespring.com/stores/creativi... +GET 15% OFF ON A HARVEST HOSTS MEMBERSHIP WITH HERE: HARVEST HOSTS harvesthosts.refr.cc/robin1 *USE COUPON CODE: HHFRIENDS *WANT TO READ ROBIN'S BOOKS FOR FREE?!? GET A 30 DAY KINDLE TRIAL HERE: amzn.to/2IePDqT *CreativityRV is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. By using these links I will make a small percentage of your purchase, even if you buy something else--and it won't cost you anything.

[@tracywhited]

Creativity RV thanks for doing good research. Unfortunately we have to research all so called facts these days for ourselves.

[@arbonneladyTN]

Robin, you are a blessing to us all! I never knew about the PLB system.

[@jwall62]

Good tips. I am one of those back country hikers, most of the time solo. I have the Delorme/Garmin InReach with a $50 monthly subscription. Everyone should have a PLB of some sort. This was one of the best videos I've seen for getting everyone to consider one. I do a lot of volunteering for SAR groups (as the volunteer missing hiker), and they all highly recommend a PLB of some kind and not to rely on just your cell phone. I've used mine twice, for other people, one in Alaska and once in the White Mountains of NH. The Alaska rescue was someone I came across while hiking though Wrangell St Elias National Park, he had been injured for 2 days with no back up plan. I came across him accidentally in 2 million acres of mountains! We had SAR there in about 4 hours. The other was within 2 miles of a major highway, but no cell phone coverage, broke their leg coming down a rock slide. Both of them could have avoided a lot of pain and suffering with any one of these units. WELL DONE!

[@slister45]

What an amazing testimonial! I, personally, don't believe in coincidences or happenstance and so, just like in my story above, I believe that a higher power or wisdom intervened in both situations. Imagine the odds of someone "happening along" in hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of acres of wilderness to discover someone in distress! Not likely.

[@LeftCoastCowgirl]

Funny story. I RV alone because my husband is British, and the British don't do wilderness stuff. They have an absolute fear of wild animals because they come from an island that has none. So he got me an InReach which lets you preprogram in one touch texts like "Medical Emergency!", "Disabled on trail", "I'm okay" which the InReach will send with your GPS coordinates. On one trip, I thought, I know Andy preprogrammed in texts. I should see what he programmed. As I scrolled through I had about six preprogrammed texts with messages like "Help! A Bear", "Being attacked by a bear", "Large bear following me". I hardly ever camp in bear country. I'm usually in the desert. But my husband is convinced America is crawling with man-eating bears just waiting to attack. So if I meet a bear and can hit that button on my InReach, I'm golden...

[@kimbalfre3759]

Too funny! I hope no one tells him about mountain lions!

[@jwall62]

You should take him to Alaska on a "Resort vacation", then he really know what real bears look like! When they are close enough to smell, then you know you are in the wilderness!

[@LeftCoastCowgirl]

​@@jwall62 After more than 20 years of trying to get him to go to National Parks with me, he finally told me that he didn't ever want to go sleep out where bears could get him. I asked if he minded if I went camping solo while he was on business trips. To his credit, he went out and bought me a little camper van. Secret to a strong marriage: don't force your spouse to do something he or she hates.

[@leonardwood8024]

😁😂😂😂

[@mercibeaucoup2486]

Lisa Paul I’m dying!! This is so funny because I’ve been in your exact shoes! My significant other is British and it’s taken me a decade to really get him fully onboard with this lifestyle. His family still has doubts! Lol

[@happyandjoyful7916]

You are so refreshing with your realistic but optimistic approach to nomadic living!👏👏👏Excellent work Robin!👏👏👏

[@dynamite9143]

Hi Robin! Did you see on the news this week the fellow that fell down a cliff while hiking that had on an Apple Watch? The watch sent out a call for help and the GPS where to find him. He said when the watch started talking to him he was so dazed he thought it was an angel. He has been rescued and is safe and sound. Happy travels!

[@gailjohnson6670]

Do you know the cost of the Apple watch?

[@dynamite9143]

Gail JOHNSON It was on TV so I don’t know his personal business but most Applebwatches are around $300. Well worth the money to save your life. The gentleman said he is sure he would have died without the watch calling for help.

[@gailjohnson6670]

@@dynamite9143 I agree worth the cost..Thank you for your reply,Dyna..

[@StanFranks56]

@@gailjohnson6670 Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the Apple watch require a cell signal to send an automatic distress call? If he had been in an area without cell service It wouldn't have worked.

[@StanFranks56]

I still think a backup device is good to have if you don't have cell signal.

[@ursularakowski396]

I have a Garmin inReach and pay $25 per month for up to 40 messages. I am a full time RVer but travel and hike to many places that have no Verizon signal. With my inReach I feel safe while hiking but also can let my family know I made it to my destination, everything is okay, etc. I also share my live tracking map with my family so they know exactly where I am at all times.

[@ursularakowski396]

@DewdropN honesty I dont recall. I purchased mine at REI and they had a sale at the time. Its 450 regular price but with approaching holidays yo uh might be able to get it for 375-400.

[@ursularakowski396]

@@juliannemcdevittthefuchsia433 yes, similar. Spot is slightly different as you can't check weather or see topo maps or send text messages/emails. Go to REI.COM and check them out. InReach is made by Garmin.

[@juliannemcdevitt642]

Snow Birdie sounds like the inreach offers more safety features overall correct ? And I love the inreach can let fam know where you are without you having to text or call right ?!

[@juliannemcdevitt642]

I love that your family will know where you are at all times without you having to contact them

[@threedogsandacamper503]

The Garmin inReach says it can also be used for roadside breakdowns (where there’s no cell service of course) not only medical emergencies. I did also get the insurance to cover the cost of rescue up to $50,000 - I think it was $17 for a year. I too hope that I don’t ever really, really, really need it....thanks for your video!

[@kareneighth6045]

Three Dogs and a Camper I did not know it can be used for roadside service. Is that a new service, and do you pay extra money for it?

[@threedogsandacamper503]

Karen Eighth , I just got my device and signed up for the basic service a couple of months ago, but according to the literature that came with the inReach calling for roadside assistance is a valid use.

[@lindasue8719]

Interesting! I didn’t know that either! What I had done was opted for one of the default messages to be sent out to my contact and have them call for roadside assistance at my coordinates

[@sandymckee8917]

I sure hope that if they get the alert & don't show up because of all the false alarms, that someone can sue them for not helping them! That to me is bs if they don't show up, and an innocent person dies!

[@rhllnm]

My understanding is that rescue has no cost to you if you had a true life threatening emergency. Don't call out resources for a car broken down on the highway.

[@ellenpowers8037]

I so appreciate the research you do and the information you share. I also love today’s hairstyle!😊

[@lindasue8719]

Ellen Powers ditto about the hair! 😃

[@tanyajordening]

Robin, thank you! My brother's friend had/has a SpotX that saved my brother's life when they were out hiking together and he fell off a 40 foot cliff. My brother's life is changed forever! But, we all know that if his friend did not have the Spot he would not have a life at all. What I want to share is that it could save your life or that of someone you love.

[@galardmills5306]

Robin, this is an important topic. And as more PLBs come on the market, all of the features have become confusing. Glad you made it clear that you chose yours for use only in a life threatening emergency. I use my SPOT all the time. I am usually outside cellular coverage, so I use the “check in” feature every day to let my son know that I am okay, and to give him my location. I know that SPOT works because he receives 100% of my messages. Fortunately, I have not had to use the two emergency modes. However, I have 100% confidence that they will bring help if I have an emergency. Thank you giving a clear perspective on your PLB, and for opening the floor for us..

[@alularussell778]

Great vid. I've carried that same unit for years now and thankfully all it's done for me was give me the peace of mind that I can call for help if I ever need it. Last month I checked my battery, it was 2 years expired. CRAP! But it's as easy as ordering from a good battery place using the serial number on your particular battery pack. I ordered one from far, far away (New York) it was $41. and change. It's a simple open the unit, unplug the old battery, plug in the new one and close it back up. I checked the seal, it was good but I used a quality "O" ring lubricant to ensure it continues to be waterproof.

[@hikerhobby1204]

Thank you, Robin!!!!! I fell n the trail the other day. I should have had one of these. You rock Sister!

[@beach3girl459]

Thanks for down-to-earth, life-saving info. You're a treasure!

[@contactjoy4140]

Beach3Girl Beach3Girl What didn't you HEAR? Three device will NEVER SAVE YOUR LIFE

[@beach3girl459]

@@contactjoy4140 Perhaps I too should have commented only on her hairstyle?

[@cemwalker]

@@contactjoy4140 What? You should re-watch the video.

[@marjiecleveland]

These are great to have, as you say, like an insurance policy. Having been on a SAR team for 11 years, I sure wish more people would carry them!

[@thizizliz]

Thank you. We DO hike off trail & get pretty far back in places with no cell signal. You have just simplified our choice.

[@americanrvtraveler2446]

Great video. I am a pilot and occasionally fly to the Bahamas from Central Florida. The aircraft has an ELT build in but once the aircraft sinks, I would be alone in the ocean. Flying to Bahamas, I have no sight of land for around 45 minutes. I carry in my pocket the PLB that you feature.

[@smacnee3278]

I’ve been on SAR for over a decade we go look regardless of if we think it’s false alarm. In fact I’ve only seen one false alarm from one of these and it was a personal pilots plane epirb was accidentally activated. Good review.

[@pete614]

One (free) thing to remember is real-time location sharing by google maps. I use it one every phone my family has : wife, me and kids. Also, I use to share my location with couple of trusted friends/relatives when going on a longer trip.

[@ariennelandry9207]

Thanks. I wasn’t sure how reliable these are. I always carry mine when I’m camping alone.

[@jshepard152]

Very helpful video. Satellite messengers (Spot / Garmin Inreach, etc.) aren't better than Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). They're just different. In some ways, they're worse. Satellite messengers communicate with a private company thru a satellite network, IF your subscription is paid up. Spot uses Globalstar satellites. Garmin Inreach uses another satellite network, Iridium. Sat messengers are relatively low power (1.6 watts max) transmitters that can (usually) reach satellites in low earth orbit (LEO), 500-900 miles up. LEO satellites orbit every 90-100 minutes, so they're not always in view. But they're always coming and going. I say Spot can "usually" transmit, because the US Dept. of Agriculture tested Spot and found it to be very effective when there was an unobstructed view of the sky, but the ability to get a message out was very spotty under tree cover. In some cases under tree cover, Spot messages failed more than they succeeded. Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) can transmit at 5 watts power, allowing them to punch thru poor conditions better than sat messengers. PLBs have enough power to transmit directly to geostationary satellites, which orbit at 22,000 miles in space. Sat messengers can't do that. In the continental US, for example, there are two geostationary satellites overhead at all times, capable of picking up PLB distress signals very quickly - usually less than 5 minutes. So it's likely that your PLB distress signal will be picked up more quickly that a Spot/Garmin distress signal. PLBs also access a network that's made up of several different layers of satellite coverage - some in low earth orbit, some in medium earth orbit, some in geostationary orbit. It's a very capable network and having different types of satellites grabbing your distress signal is an advantage. PLBs also have other features such as the ability to float, the ability to send out a distress homing beacon on regular radio, and the ability to illuminate a strobe light to alert incoming rescue crews. Finally, PLB rescues are dispatched by government organizations. In the US, PLB rescues are dispatched by the US Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Personally, I'd rather have a national government with government resources dispatching my rescue, versus a call center for a private company. PLBs also require no service plan, no payment, no credit card, etc. You register the device every two years and it works without any payment. The one clear advantage of subscription sat messengers over PLBs is the ability to send two way, non-emergency messages to family and friends. That capability might be worth paying for, in very remote places where there's no hope of catching a cell signal. But for a real life and death emergency in unknown conditions, when time counts, anywhere on Earth, PLBs are the best choice.

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

Thankyou so much, Robin. I really do appreciate the information that you give in your videos. They are always well researched and dependable.

[@mizkeenmills]

I learned about these from my son who rides off into the wilds on his motorcycle. This is a gift parents are more than happy to give their children--even 40-year-old kids. Now that we spend so much time by ourselves in lovely, but remote places, our kids wanted us to have one too. And this made my mom happy too.

[@Sewspcl]

I bought one from your channel and I love it. Very easy to register and receive the little sticker in the mail 2 weeks later before I hit the road. I like the idea of no monthly service charge and that battery last 5 years and there is a test button that you can test it. I don't think the text would have worked for me because I don't text well when I'm feeling healthy and not hanging from a cliff! Thanks for the video! Hope to see you at the RTR.

[@joeglennaz]

And I think the most important thing is the ACR has 5 W of power. Those are the units are very under powered. If you’re under a snow covered, can’t be your deep in the canyon the ACR will get out. I wouldn’t want to bet my life on the other units. Also, the other units is a private satellite network. As you know the ACR unit to use a worldwide search and rescue net work with the government satellites in three different constellations of satellites as well. Stay safe.

[@deanatruppa5452]

Love your hairstyle

[@missypowers8242]

Deana Truppa me too!

[@havenonwheels5158]

Great information, Robin. I think everyone that travels should have a PLB. Love my SPOT. Got my first one in 2009 and had it track our private river trip through the Grand Canyon. Got back to Maine and used it in the Allagash. It works well in canyons or dense forest. Upgraded last year to a new model and will have it on the road with us as we RV across the country. Family can follow our trip - and we have can signal in case of an emergency! Nice video. Thank you!

[@carolbrucecollett]

Thanks for the info. I have one of these on my RV Wish List, but wasn't really clear how they might work, or what would happen with accidental activation. Now I see it would be difficult to activate accidentally. But, wow, 6/7 false alerts? It sounds like you definitely chose the right model for you. I think that one would also be a good fit for hubby and me. Our hikes are very casual, not backcountry extreme hikes. I truly appreciate all your research and sharing info with us. I have learned so much from you that hubby and I will use when we hit the road late next year.

[@lindarickert7290]

Once again and as always...great information. Thank you for digging up what we all need to know (but didn’t know we should!). Thank you for letting us know the in’s and out’s and clarifying the differences.

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

What a great vid, you just continue to provide great topics and valuable info

[@richardblutstein6612]

Robin, I’m on the second generation of Inreach and wouldn’t leave home without it. In addition to the emergency function, you can text or email to and from anywhere in the world, Just to mention something that you didn’t; you pretty much need to be OUTSIDE with good exposure to the sky for it to work. So if you are inside your RV with terrible pain, you may need to get outside or at least uncover a window with good exposure to the sky. If you fell into a narrow ravine, it will only work when one of these satellites is within your now narrow view of the sky. In addition thick tree canopies can block the signal, but it usually works ok under a thin canopy. So you may need to drag yourself to a better location.

[@slister45]

A friend of mine was on a backpacking trip with 3 friends in Yosemite and at about 9000+ feet, one of the members of his party suddenly felt ill. The group stopped to let that person rest, and he sadly and tragically passed away. While they were trying, without success, to resuscitate him, some other hikers came by and one of them had one of these kinds of beacons. They graciously gave my friend the device to signal for help, while they exchanged information and the other hikers moved on. A helicopter and EMT crew were there in 1 1/2 hours to airlift the deceased person out of the situation, so the device definitely worked in that situation.

[@joeglennaz]

Oh Robin one other thing I wanted to say for may be all your listeners. If you have one of these devices, attach it to your person. Don’t put it in your backpack. If your backpack goes over a cliff it’s gonna do you know good. I’ll also often times if they’re thrown deep in backpacks, that will create a false activation, but the more important point is where I keep mine is I keep my looped through my belt loop on my pants, so no matter if I fall off a cliff, if anything happens, that device is going to be on my body some people I know clip them on their backpack, up near their shoulder and that’s better than putting it in your backpack but again, if your backpack goes over a cliff, it’s gonna do you no good.

[@karinhart489]

I’m planning a trip camping along the Lewis & Clark Trail next summer, part of it goes through a “no cell signal” zone so I was looking at these things. I’ve kind of narrowed it down to a Garmin InReach Mini for 2 reasons: A) it can be paired with a cellphone’s Bluetooth for easier texting. This means in addition to using on trips it can be used for texting when cell service fails (like 15% during power shutdowns to avoid wildfire in CA); B) their subscription model means you have it off & not pay in certain months & turn it on during a trip or hike. Also flip between different service levels of subscription. I have 2 friends (who don’t know each other) who use the InReach Mini heavily about a quarter of the year while they do wilderness hiking alone. Both migrated from the Spot & are happy they did. And both turn it off (don’t pay) about 3/4 of year.

[@chaosncheckt9356]

Good video. I use a Garmin InReach and have key numbers programed for SOS. In addition, I have the live track on and let love ones know I"m out so they can periodically check the InReach site/map and see where I am. It was a key piece of gear for us during our 3-month overland from FL to Dead Horse Alaska.

[@garychap8384]

Over 50,000 rescues attributed to such PLBs, so yes... they work! These particular ones have more than adequate power, are picked up by a huge number of LEO, MEO and GEO satellites including the GPS sat networks and they DEFINITELY do the job. We "pulled the pin" once during an offshore emergency whilst racing and had a chopper overfly us within 40 minutes. The lifeboat service was with us within the hour... with a coastguard vessel ploughing into the area which then turned around as we were already safe and accounted for. Remember that the PLB effectively issues an "SOS"/"Mayday" ... it should only be used when there is a *genuine* threat to life. This works, and works VERY well. Most of our deck crew carry this exact PLB on their life-jackets in addition to an "on-inflation" MOB (DCS/AIS) alarm with dye, strobe and a floating pickup/lift line, which alerts all local vessels of a man overboard condition via AIS, even if they're unconscious when they hit the water. You can't mess about when it comes to safety. These PLBs are serious survival gear. _(BTW, it can take about 4 weeks for your registration to update across all systems, so register it at least a month before intended use. Especially if travelling internationally)_

[@ObamaoZedong]

Did you get fined for not calling maday on VHF first?

[@DirtyShoesAdventures]

That is really cool. I very much like that since most everything I do now is alone. I'll have to start saving my pennies up :-) Thank you for sharing! Brandon

[@KathieGross]

Great advice Robin. Once I head out I will be investing into one.

[@lindasue8719]

I opted for a Garmin inreach explorer (versus the spot) which is probably overkill for my needs. However I like that the signals seem to get picked up pretty fast by satellites and that you would be notified when the message has been received so you know it got there. The onboard texting of the Garmin would be handy in an emergency, I can’t really see bothering with pairing with the cell phone, that seems too fussy. Thanks for addressing what the gadget can do!

[@tanyajordening]

I forgot to put in my other comment two things: 1. So amazing that a helicopter flew over when you were making your video (6:09) my brother was flown out of the wilderness by two different helicopters when his friend saved his life with the Spot X and 2. Even though my brother was with two other guys when he was hiking they were so far our in the back country that they would not have been able to save his life without the SpotX.

[@michelecoakley953]

Hi, Robin! I just love your videos. I don't travel due to multiple health problems but I would love to. I'm fascinated by videos about RVing and tiny homes. I just wanted to tell you that I just love your sparkle. Joy seems to radiate from you and it's infectious.

[@taramoorman584]

Thanks, Robin - as always.

[@lyfandeth]

The aircraft ELT and marine EPIRB don't send text, but they DO send a direct signal to government agencies. The InReach and SPOT messengers do send text--but they go to a private "monitor" company which relays information. And require subscription fees. Also note that even an EPIRB may need a full hour to lock onto satellites. There are plenty of official web pages that go into the details. An EPIRB battery must be sent back for replacement. Some of the private devices are rechargeable--but they do not transmit anywhere near as long.

[@roblarsen6309]

Like the other poster Lorna said, you can press the side button 5 times on your iphone for emergency 911 help. I accidentally discovered this feature. I thought I was pressing the volume button and all of a sudden it’s gone to emergency mode with a 911 operator saying “911 what’s your emergency” so I told the 911 operator I screwed up. I tell people about this feature and rarely have they heard of it. Apple should advertise this feature so that if you’re laying in bed having a stroke or some other medical emergency you don’t have to get to the right screen to call 911

[@joansrvadventures6112]

I use the Garmin In Reach Explorer. It was around $450 plus monthly subscription. I got it for my long solo trip out west in case I was hiking alone. Found there are other people around where I hiked so never used it. I am getting ready for another trip, so will activate it again as I have some medical issues and will be solo. I think one advantage of the texting feature is you can call for help with the SOS button, but then tell them what your situation is so maybe they can send out someone local. If the helicopters come to rescue you, you could end up with a huge bill of tens of thousands of dollars when maybe you didn't need that kind of response.

[@joeglennaz]

They do send someone local anyway even with the ACR unit. Also, unless you do something egregious, you will not be charge for a rescue.

[@souljourneylifesadventures2412]

I want to make sure I completely understand Amazon Affiliates. If I buy your recommended products through your link, you make a percentage. But, if I buy ANYTHING you will also make money? If so, I'm happy to support you. I have been BUYING SO MUCH STUFF! Do you know if it matters if I'm part of Amazon Smile? I love your videos, you teach us, not just show us your awesome life! I'll be hitting the road as a solo van lifer 4/2020. Just me and my dog. I keep having dreams of bad things happening, has anyone gone through this that you know of? My dog or both of us keep dying! Yikes.

[@Anne--Marie]

Fantastic information; thank you for making me aware of the existence of these devices. Sounds like this is a great alternative for the elderly, as well as the adventurous.

[@rebeccacarlson9166]

You are so awesome for researching and teaching us about these beacons! ♥️

[@jimbuckley4986]

Excellent advice. I have a Spot unit and have so for a few years. Can set up a canned message or two that will send out to my desired list what is needed. Subscription yes but they are nice for others to track you as well.

[@lupaofpack]

You give so much good information. thank you.

[@ACRArtex]

Nice video Robbin and thanks for sharing all these helpful tips!!

[@renaissancepoet]

Excellent video! So glad you enjoy researching products so much.

[@LisaMarli]

That sounds like what I might need. Usually cell service isn't a problem. And I pay for my car to have a full cell phone SOS service. But every once in a while, there is nothing. My husband use to be with me and he could change a tire, but he died and I travel alone. If something went wrong with the car or me and there was no cell service, the car SOS won't work either. As you said, extra insurance. Hmm.

[@bonniep3575]

Robin, you really do such a great job researching and offering solid information that in this could save lives! Just love today’s hairstyle btw.

[@TJ-mc8uh]

Thanks, great information!

[@tammyfleming3643]

Thank you for that. I've been wanting to get one if those.

[@rhllnm]

Got that same model for off road motorcycle trips. Did not want to pay the monthly fee for text capability. Just tested mine since I got an email saying my registration had expired. Got that up to date, tested my battery and gps, all is good. Mine is about 5 years old.

[@akau1340]

Thanks for your research. Love this hairstyle on you today! 👍 😊

[@authordebradickinson]

Thank you Robin. I will check out your link to see about registering mine. I had not heard of that before. I cannot text on mine either but I chose the SPOT GPS because I camp in remote boondocking locations most of the time. I often do not have phone signal and I can hit 2 buttons that lets my tribe know I’m okay. The message is sent to them via satellite and they get an email. Mine also has a “save my vehicle” button. That way if Fancy Free breaks down, and I don’t have a phone signal to call, I can get help and it is known ahead of time it is just for my vehicle. Then, of course, there is the personal emergency button - satellite 911, lol. On my plan, there is a HEFTY fine for a false alarm. Why would people do that?!?! Grrrr. Thanks again. Checking out your links now. HugZ!

[@mariecraig239]

Super well done as always. Important point is to have your emergency health access information filled out on your cell phone, in case you lose consciousness, it can tell emergency personnel your specific health issues, the medications you are on, also emergency contacts of family members.

[@jodymooney255]

Good to know. Thanks Robin!

[@timbates4wdadventures]

Great video. I also have the same PLB. I bought mine for pretty much the same reasons that you have mentioned.

[@TheRichtaber]

Very informative on this very critical topic.

[@brainmaker4495]

Awesome Robin, very clearly explained. Thank you!

[@cindyschroyer326]

My husband is a long distance bike rider and sometimes bikes alone. He can be gone for days in areas where the cell signals are sketchy. I wanted to get him one for his birthday but when I brought it up he jumped up and ordered himself one with text ability. He hasn't needed it...yet.

[@grodt3658]

Hopefully he never needs it

[@SweetKel]

Awesome. I frequently worry about the location of my bacon. Love you

[@jcneedles388]

Had the marine/boat version works great, set it off, immediate radio contact to check my situation.

[@mysticalmisfit1332]

Hey Robin👋🏽 Great info! Thanks so much for sharing 😊

[@lorenenoe4472]

So glad to see MooMoo on the wall...we missed our favorite cow! Good info as always! BTW, your bangs are rocking! Thanks Robin

[@freedomdove]

Thanks, Robin. If I get one of these I'll be sure to go through your Amazon link.

[@gloriashaeffer6776]

Hi Robin, Love your hair today, Great info about the beacon ,Til next time take care stay safe and BE FREE!!!

[@cometsmom8943]

very informative. your hair looks great.

[@shellchenonceau7832]

Good to know! Thank you! 🤗

[@gailjohnson6670]

Excellent information ..Thank you,Robin..

[@charjones5267]

Look at you go girl over 100 k followers I remember when I joined your channel at about 7000. Great job sharing your amazing life

[@aaaideas4U]

I also use the inReach Explorer... luv it luv it luv it!!!

[@arbonneladyTN]

Great info!!! Thank you!

[@FayeCalder]

Thank you!

[@chodkowski01]

I’m sure that the location position it sends to rescuers help to weed out false alarms as well. If the location is out in the middle of woods or ocean a good question would be how is that locator in the middle of nowhere’s.

[@cindylott6540]

Thank you Robin

[@elizabethlarose3632]

Great information. Thank you

[@t.nash8]

Great stuff, as always. Question, tho; did your research tell you what that vast number of false alarms was about? Or people pushing the button by accident, kids getting a hold of it because they left it in the wrong place, the beacon broke and started sending a signal for no reason… ?

[@Bk-uz3pk]

Thank you 🙏

[@n1uno1965]

Wow❣️. Excellent info! 👍🏻

[@zestybutterfly7161]

I just sent this to my Dad who's 73 and travels a lot on his own in rural Idaho.

[@JanineMJoi]

everything is rural in idaho

[@sharonb5965]

Great information!! Thanks

[@theonewhomjesusloves7360]

Once again you are awesome sauce..thanks

[@Shan-ShanH]

You. Look. GORGEOUS! 🤗🤗🤗

[@RVJedeye]

Really great info. Thanks for sharing 👍🏿😊

[@selectshelley]

As always, very good info presented in an excellent manner. I'm a mountain hiker and soon to be a back country thru-hiker, so the text versions will be better for my potential need; otherwise the one you've chosen would be fine. Thanks. Shelley from San Diego

[@wheels3285]

I have a SPOT, with a subscription. I am able to use it if we are camping, RVing, riding dirt bikes, or hiking. It's critically important that you keep a beacon ON YOUR PERSON. If you are injured, you may not be able to get to it and your comment about "crawling to it" should be discounted. What if you've had a concussion or are so injured you can't get to it, and you left it in your bicycle basket, or it's in your motorcycle tank bag? If it's clipped to your backpack, or in your pocket, or clipped to your belt, you can get to it easily. You also need to know that if you are in a location that's in a canyon, your PLB may not work. Nor will your cell phone, so expecting NOAA to call you to verify an emergency may not be reasonable. The most important way to stay safe is to let someone know where you are and how long you will be gone. This obviously isn't applicable if you're using the PLB as a medical beacon. But again, you need to keep in mind your location and whether it's going to work or not. Too much reliance on technology is not a good idea.

[@sandygannon8552]

Your Q&A are very good and informative, but I want to see where you are

[@rhansen1969]

I would NEVER venture into a national forest or park without one.

[@peri3818]

Great Info!

[@jaivangesen7525]

Love your hair down in front. You look so young!

[@lornaarmitage2916]

As always, great information, Robin. I have a system that I use when I am on the road. I send my son my location each morning and each evening. I go to his name in my contact list on my phone. I press "Send Message". Beside his name at the top of the screen is a little '>' sign. I select that and go to the 'info' icon. I select that and then select 'Send My Current Location' This way he knows where I am each evening and in the morning, that I made it through the night. I don't need to impact his day in any way. He knows that I just forward the info as a safety feature. Also, on an iPhone you can press the button on the side of your phone 5 times and a slider comes up to alert emergency services of your location. I just mention these features for people who don't have the finances to purchase a separate device or a subscription. I only travel part time and feel that these security measures will be enough for me if I need them. I just read that a hiker had fallen down a cliff and used his Apple watch to alert SAR. Safe travels, Robin. Keep up the good work

[@roblarsen6309]

Hi Lorna, I accidentally discovered that feature about pressing the button 5 times. I thought I was pressing the volume button and all of a sudden it’s gone to emergency with “911 what’s your emergency” so I told the 911 operator I screwed up. Apple should advertise this feature so if you’re laying in bed having a stroke or some other medical emergency you don’t have to get to the right screen to call 911

[@lornaarmitage2916]

@@roblarsen6309 Some people give their password to their iCloud account so they can be tracked through their Find My Phone feature. Although I trust my son and daughter-in-law completely I realized that they would have access to all my photos and passwords (which I store on my phone). I am still of sound mind and body and want to maintain a certain level of privacy and independence. I would have had an alert if anybody would have accessed my iCloud account but still I was not comfortable with somebody having access to all that information. I store my passwords etc in my safety deposit box with all my necessary documents should something happen on the road. I also have a storage locker with all my furniture etc and have left the key at the front counter with POA for my son to retrieve if he has to. That way I don't have to worry about the key being lost. We certainly have to look after a ton of safety features when we travel. Safe travels and much joy in your travels!

[@cathystewart2268]

Great video. BTW, love the sweatshirt. Looks like the Mighty MAC 😆

[@dawnbaker9274]

Hmm. I have medical issues but am pretty stationary. Probably more medical alert thing than a PLB. Have to do some research and thinking. Good info regardless. 👍💖

[@kevinreiter1890]

Personal Locator Beacons are NOT the same as SEND devices (“Satellite Emergency Notification Device”), such as those made by SPOT - namely, as of right now, only the Beacons send out a homing signal on a different frequency. SEND devices do not. I actually wrote a course on this years ago.

[@kevinreiter1890]

Just a quick follow-up (now that I'm no longer typing from my phone), have a look at the rescue numbers. COSPAS-SARSAT: Worldwide - Over 43,000+ people rescued (since 1982) - see www.sarsat.noaa.gov/index.html SPOT: 6,860 as of this comment - see www.findmespot.com/en/spotemergency/

[@Anne--Marie]

@@kevinreiter1890 The former would be appropriate for the adventurous while the latter would help the independent elderly person?

[@kevinreiter1890]

@@Anne--Marie It all depends on the situation. Age really has nothing to do with it. If I was within cell-phone range and within an hour or so of a major road or highway, I'd probably choose the SEND device. If I was in an austere environment with no cell-phone coverage, I'd definitely want the PLB. Both have their benefits and unique features. I'd recommend doing some research on the benefits and capabilities of each one, so you can make the best choice for your given situation and needs.

[@Anne--Marie]

@@kevinreiter1890 Thank you very much

[@kevinreiter1890]

Anne-Marie A You’re welcome.

[@jimbridge4166]

SAT phone. It's worth it for serious off grid adventures.

[@kimbalfre3759]

Thanks for sharing. Can you test it to make sure its working?

[@ziggy33399]

True story: my family member (an experienced snow skier ⛷) left his phone but took his Beacon skiing Jan 2 in Taos , N Mexico at an upscale ski resort (he’s a member). He has been missing ever since. Assumed dead. Beacon never heard. Just saying...rescue teams never found him. The next week new snow falls, etc.