Garmin's 2024 Report Highlights Global SOS Trends

Annual inReach SOS report emphasizes the value of Garmin satellite
communication devices
Garmin report offers key insights and information into SOS trends from around the world
OLATHE, Kan./February 27, 2025/PR Newswire – Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today released its 2024
inReach® SOS Report, highlighting trends involving SOS incidents reported to Garmin Response℠
during the past calendar year. The report provides insights into the activities and locations of
adventurers who find themselves in need of emergency help. Since 2011, inReach satellite technology1
has helped hikers, explorers, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts stay in touch globally with two-way
text messaging, location tracking and critical SOS emergency response services. That technology was
expanded in 2024 with the release of inReach Messenger Plus, allowing users to exchange photo and
voice messages while off the grid, which can provide essential information to emergency responders
when seconds count.
Here are some key takeaways from the 2024 report:
• Users across six continents and three oceans triggered an inReach SOS message for a wide
variety of incidents.
• Response missions varied from local emergency services on remote highways to highly
technical helicopter rescues.
• People sent an SOS message the most during hiking and backpacking activities, followed by
driving and motorcycling. There was also an increase in dirt biking and rafting incidents.
• Injuries were again the top cause for SOS messages with the biggest increase in medical issues
like altitude sickness, heart problems and gastrointestinal issues.
• Weather events such as wildfires, flash floods and hurricanes resulted in more SOS message
triggers, as did encounters with wildlife like bears and rattlesnakes.
• Many SOS messages were for the user; however, nearly one-half were for another member in
the user’s party or a third-party individual.
• With the help of professionally trained Garmin Response staff, inReach users were able to self-
rescue nearly 12% of the time.
Click here to read the entire 2024 report.
How inReach SOS works with Garmin Response
Thanks to a dedicated SOS button and 100% global Iridium® satellite network coverage, Garmin
inReach users can quickly send an SOS message should an emergency occur. Once an SOS message
is triggered, even if the user takes no other action, the device sends a distress message to Garmin
Response, a 24/7 staffed professional emergency response coordination center. Garmin Response will
communicate with the user, their listed emergency contacts, search and rescue organizations and other
available local resources. They provide updates to users and emergency contacts on the response
effort, including confirmation when help is on the way, and remain available as the incident is being
resolved.
What our customers are saying about inReach
“I cannot say thanks enough to every single person involved in this entire process. Without the
enormous efforts put in by absolutely everyone, I would not be having breakfast again with my friend
tomorrow morning.”
–James Birch, inReach owner whose friend triggered an SOS message after getting caught in an
avalanche
“Sometimes (more often than not) being prepared can end up helping others even more than yourself,
and I think there is no better feeling than being able to help when it’s needed.”
–Adrian Abrahams, inReach user who helped stranded couple on overlanding trip
“Without the inReach, we wouldn’t have had any information about what was approaching us that day,
and we would have spent much of the valuable time we had hiking out slowly. Not only did we have the
threat of fire, we also had trees down on the road, no service and we needed assistance.”
–Brittany Farrish, customer who used inReach to escape wildfire
Find your Garmin inReach
• The inReach Messenger Plus two-way satellite communicator, complete with photo and video
messaging and a battery that can last weeks, is handy for anyone who might find themselves
without cell service.
• When the size and weight of the gear matters most, the easy-to-carry inReach Mini 2 is a great
option with its lightweight and compact design.
• Dedicated explorers, mountaineers, and hunters may prefer the rugged GPSMAP® 67i GPS
handheld and satellite communicator, which offers TopoActive routable mapping and superior
battery life.
• Road warriors can use the Montana® 710i and 760i GPS navigators, which include a durable
touchscreen display and a variety of mounting options for ATVs, motorcycles, bikes and more.
• For overlanding enthusiasts, the Tread® XL Series is built for every part of the journey and has
the on road and off road mapping they need to stay on track.
• On the water, Garmin offers the inReach Mini 2 Marine Bundle, which includes a powered
mount for the boat’s helm for easy access when needed. Mariners also utilize the GPSMAP
86sci, which comes with preloaded BlueChart® g3 coastal charts in a water-resistant, floating
design.
• Aviators can send and receive messages right from the cockpit with the Garmin™ Messenger
App for smartphones.
Learn more about all of Garmin's inReach-capable devices here.
An active satellite subscription is required for live tracking, messaging, weather forecasts and
interactive SOS capabilities. A variety of affordable plans are available. Individuals with a supported
device and an active subscription can purchase search and rescue (SAR) insurance plans through
Garmin which offer financial reimbursement for qualified search and rescue related expenses2.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for
adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed
to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin
believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Vis