Supplied Dirt biker Ian Reed was rescued by helicopter after badly breaking his leg on a remote four-wheel-drive track near Wellington. He is one of an increasing number of Kiwis carrying a personal locator beacon while heading outdoors. Sam Deavoll/Stuff The Nelson-Marlborough rescue helicopter landing at Port Tarakohe (file photo). It is believed the massive jump was due to more outlets hiring personal locator beacons (PLBs) and a digital campaign to encourage their use. Distress beacons include any type of notification system that summons help using satellite systems, including personal locator beacons, EPIRBs that are taken on boats and ELTs which are taken on aircraft.

Source: Stuff February 23, 2021 05:26 UTC