A couple weeks ago (Oct. 18) I wrote a story that detailed how the misuse of personal satellite tracking devices are impacting search-and-rescue operations at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Of course, this trend isn't limited to the Sierra Nevada. It's happening all over the West. Rescuers even have a name for it: Yuppie 911.
Here is another recent example of an incident at the Grand Canyon. (All facts are taken straight from an internal National Park Service memo that a ranger was kind enough to send me.)
On the evening of Sept. 23, rangers began a search for a group of backpackers who repeatedly activated the "Help" button on their SPOT tracking device in a remote section of the park known as the Royal Arch Loop. It's a challenging trip for experienced hikers, let alone a novice party comprised of two dads and their teenage sons.
Due to darkness and the remoteness of their location, rangers were unable to reach the group until the following morning. When found, they had moved to a water source about 1 1/2 miles away and declined rescue.
Later that evening, the same SPOT device was again activated (this time using the "911" button). Coordinates placed the signal less than a quarter mile from the spot where searchers had found them that morning. A special SAR helicopter crew wearing night goggles responded to the distress call, only to find that group members were concerned about dehydration because the water they drank tasted salty.
The helicopter crew declined the group's request for a night evacuation but provided them with water. Next morning, another SPOT "Help" activation came in from the group, and this time they were flown out by park helicopter. All four refused medical assessment or treatment, and the group leader was issued a citation for "creating a hazardous condition" for rescuers.
If you're counting, that's three distress calls in a two-day period. All of them totally unnecessary.
Now here's the part that gets me: When asked what they would have done without the SPOT device, the group leader stated, "We would never have attempted this hike."
Unbelievable. Just more evidence that technology is no substitute for experience and knowledge of basic backcountry skills.
No matter how cool or convenient, technology doesn't make the wilderness safer. Wilderness is wilderness. When in a dangerous situation, use your head. Pushing a button should always be a last resort.
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