Title
A MOTION requesting the executive develop an implementation plan to establish a personal locator beacon lending program.
Body
WHEREAS, a personal locator beacon ("PLB") is a small portable device that transmits a personalized distress signal in the 406 MHz spectrum range to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ("NOAA")-operated fleet of geostationary satellites ("COSPAS-SARSAT") which, for the mainland United States, routes the signal to the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, which in turn alerts the relevant search and rescue jurisdiction. For King County, the alert is sent to the state of Washington Search and Rescue coordinator and is then sent to the King County sheriff's office, and
WHEREAS, all PLBs are required by federal law to be registered with NOAA with a name, address, phone number and any pertinent information such as medical problems, and this information is sent to search and rescue personnel along with the GPS location, and
WHEREAS, NOAA credits COSPAS-SARSAT, which transmit emergency beacons including PLB signals, from saving three hundred thirty lives in 2021, and
WHEREAS, in partnership with the sheriff's office, King County Search and Rescue conducts over two hundred missions annually, which include numerous backcountry rescues, and
WHEREAS, the King County department of natural resources and parks, parks division, manages thirty-two thousand acres of open space and two hundred fifty miles of backcountry trails with year-round accessibility for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, and
WHEREAS, the National Park Service recommends taking a PLB when going into the backcountry or wilderness area where mobile phone coverage is limited, and
WHEREAS, the Washington Trails Association states that PLBs have saved many lives and should be strongly considered by all backcountry travelers, and
WHEREAS, the Washington state Parks and Recreation Commission also recommends carrying a PLB while paddleboarding and boat...
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