Garmin's 2024 inReach SOS Report

Each year Garmin releases an inReach SOS report to highlight 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.