[Paddlewise] SPOT anxiety

In the past couple months the coast guard has had three false searches due to
the SPOT (Personal satellite tracker) system. In each case it has a
combination of the limitations of the SPOT unit and human anxiety. What has
happen in each case is that for whatever reason the SPOT unit has failed to
send out a signal. (my guess is the operator did not leave the unit on long
enough top pick up a satellite or was in a steep fjord) This resulted in
someone down south not getting the "we are OK" email and they panicked and
called the coast guard. Each of the three parties searched for were found to
be OK and doing fine unaware they were missing.
The coast guard is not happy about this and I fear may be reluctant to search
based on the SPOT system.
So the word to the wise is chose you SPOT contacts carefully and tell them to
remember what the cover of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy says.    "Don't
Panic"

Stay found!
Bob
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