While those who spend time in the great outdoors face the up-front cost of hundreds of dollars when purchasing a personal locator beacon, it appears an increasing number of locals are taking to the safety measure for peace of mind.
Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust has reported a large spike in the number of personal locator beacon activations they have been called to; an increase from three activations in 2015 to 14 in 2016.
Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust marketing and fundraising manager Laura Hyde said the beacons could be used in remote locations, without cellphone coverage, to allow rescue services to pinpoint an exact location for injured or ill parties.
"They really do save lives. When an emergency happens, especially in remote or hard to reach locations, the rescue helicopter can provide a vital lifeline. Likewise, personal locator beacons save lives. We really recommend people carry them."
Just last weekend the Lowe Corp Rescue helicopter responded to several beacon activations in the region. A female in her 70s was flown to the Hawke's Bay hospital after falling from her horse on to rocks in a steep river valley near Kereru.