Safety

SAFETY 

The committee of U3A Kingborough have supplied us with a first aid kit to be carried on our walks. It will join the locator beacon shown below in my pack.

I've had a little worry during some of our walks where we are out of mobile phone range. I've done some checks on our walks and this can happen frequently.

After all, some of us are getting to be a 'certain age' and unfortunately we may need outside help if something happens. We can't always rely on Bob to run out for help!

I've decided to carry a PLB - personal locater beacon - which is like an EPIRB if you know what that is.

It's an emergency beacon that when turned on transmits a signal to satellites which transfer the data sent to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

I've chosen one that also has a GPS receiver so the information transfered contains the location to about 45 metres. Without GPS, the response is slower and much less accurate. A separate signal is also sent out that can be detected by equipment on board a rescue aircraft to track into our location.

I can enter details before any major walk (Hertz, etc) onto their website which they will see if the alarm is raised.

We may (I hope) never need it, but everyone should know that the beacon lives in the bottom of my pack. Anyone who wants to have a look at the unit, just ask!

Instructions on how to turn it on (very simple) are molded into the case. The beacon also has a flashing strobe light and will run for 24 hours.

Instructions are moulded on the back