Regional Search and Rescue (SAR) groups are sounding the alarm on intended alarms.

New technology meant to provide a layer of protection is producing false alerts and activating SAR volunteers.

Golden and District Search and Rescue (GADSAR) reported on Dec. 12 it had received three calls in the last two days from the new Apple crash detection system.

“These calls were from snowmobilers and skiers who did not need help and their device thought it had detected a crash.

“The iPhone 14, 14 pro, Apple Watch 8, Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch ultra with the latest version of iOS and watchOS automatically have crash detection turned on. Be sure to watch for updates as we suspect Apple will release updates for this feature in the future,” GADSAR outlined on social media.

“How it works: When your iPhone or watch detects what it thinks to be a severe car crash it sounds an alarm and displays an alert. If you do not respond to the alert within 20 seconds your device automatically calls emergency services with your location.

“You can imagine how easy it would be to miss this if you were sledding or skiing and did not hear the alarm. We urge you to consider this when going into the backcountry. Look up your model of device and how you can mitigate unnecessary emergency calls,” GADSAR stated.

Never mind that SAR groups are entirely volunteer run and unnecessary callouts eat into their lives, but callouts can be expensive. Helicopter callouts cost about $10,000, with the B.C. government eventually covering those costs.

“An iPhone stowed away in a bag or a snowmobile glove box can easily simulate what a device thinks is a crash sending rescue crews on a wild goose chase around the mountains,” Kimberley SAR added.

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