Outdoor enthusiasts will for the first time be able to use personal locator beacons to send distress signals from the UK’s remote areas to an international satellite system.
New regulations have come into force allowing the use of PLBs on land in the UK.
Previously they were only approved for use at sea and on aircraft, but now walkers, mountaineers, mountain bikers and other outdoor fans will be able to buy and use the pocket devices for use in an emergency.
Two companies are already pitching their devices at new users, with ACR’s ResQLink launching at the first day of the Outdoors Show in London’s East End tomorrow, and McMurdo’s Fast Find also being sold as ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Whilst we’re sure they may prove useful in rescue situations there’s still no substitute for good old fashioned mountain craft.
