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I'd be in favor of imposing fines for abusing the rescue system. Of course, it's fairly subjective. The father could have legitimately thought they were at risk when in fact they weren't. I would say however that if you push it, you take that ride out regardless.
I carried my SPOT device, which I purchased solely because my back country Whitney ascent was solo. I wore it on my person, not inside my pack so if something happened, it was with me, not separated because I had to jettison it in an emergency. The whole purpose of having it was in dire emergency, like a bear attack or something. Besides that, my family and friends could track me and know I was ok.
I do think it gives people without common sense a false sense of security...a panic button at the ready and for any reason.
Push it an refuse help then pay. Push it and you're found not in life threatening danger then pay. Either way, you take that ride out.
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You push the button, you're riding out...simple as that. Most people will think twice before pushing it in non-emergency situations.
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"With darkness setting in on the same day, Mono County sheriff's deputies asked the National Guard for a high-altitude helicopter and a hoist for a treacherous rescue of two beacon-equipped hikers stranded at Convict Lake. The next day they hiked out on foot." Stranded at Convict Lake? Did the resort run out of coleslaw? (Okay, that settles it----next time I see the "We're out of chicken" at the Portal Store, I'm pressing the damn button...")
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"With darkness setting in on the same day, Mono County sheriff's deputies asked the National Guard for a high-altitude helicopter and a hoist for a treacherous rescue of two beacon-equipped hikers stranded at Convict Lake. The next day they hiked out on foot." Stranded at Convict Lake? Did the resort run out of coleslaw? (Okay, that settles it----next time I see the "We're out of chicken" at the Portal Store, I'm pressing the damn button...") If you press the button at the Portal store they'll be looking for you on Forester Pass. SPOT is a little "iffy" in the area sometimes. At least mine is. I wonder how many people abuse Onstar and services like that? I still think SPOT is great for what it is - a tool. It doesn't replace good judgement...................................DUG
Last edited by DUG67; 10/26/09 07:18 PM.
Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time. ~Steven Wright
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Yuppie 911 - I love it!
What most casual adventurers into the wilderness don't realize is that a "rescue" is a dangerous undertaking. SAR personnel are putting their own safety and lives on the line, often in poor conditions, to bail out a rescuee. I have no doubt that many of these people who carry a beacon system don't think beyond, "push the button, I get a ticket out." There are precious few places for a helicopter to land safely in the most traveled places in the Sierras, Rockies, Cascades, etc., and a rescue often involves SAR personnel hoofing it with lots of gear into dangerous territory, and then back out to the copter with their gear and a tenant or two.
Personally, I don't carry one - and it keeps me from going where I know my skill set is not up to snuff, such as winter conditions at elevation. If I ever do, I hope I can keep in mind that a push of that so-easy button puts other people at risk.
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From the SPOT wiki entry: "There is also an optional USD$8 per year insurance plan to cover private search and rescue costs, such as helicopter extraction, up to USD$100,000." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPOT_Satellite_Messenger
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Maybe this should not be optional! (I know, that would cause all kinds of other issues, but it is just a thought...)
Mark
"Fetchez la vache." the French Knight
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I got the optional insurance. I also got the tracking, which is the MAIN reason my wife got the SPOT for me. I don't do anything differently with the SPOT than when I was without. I am the ONLY person I can count on to get out of a jam. The best way to get out of a problem is to never get in to one. If someday something happens beyond my control and I fear for my life, I'll push the button and hope to get my 8 bucks worth..................................................DUG
Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time. ~Steven Wright
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LOL!! Sweet!!..........................DUG
Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time. ~Steven Wright
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From another board: Tim posted this video link for the amazing Pomegranate Phone... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-v8c7J1xCwThank God they saw fit not to include an SOS button.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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I'd have thought it was April Fool's Day...
Everything you want in one place... Nova Scotia... yeah, right.
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That'll be in version 2.0 - along with the handy dandy camp stove . . .
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Lets hope California does not follow New Hampshire's lead on this!
"even strengthening its law last year to allow the suspension of hiking, fishing and driver's licenses of those who don't pay,"I can't find my Hikers License!
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