Last Thursday was the first day of our Sawbill to Sawbill Louse River/Lady Chain route. As I was loading my canoe on Wine, my spot, which was attached to my portage pack, dipped into the water for about 5 seconds before I saw it and pulled it out. Two hours later, as we were eating dinner at our site on Wine, a rescue helicopter came by and dropped two men down to our site. My SPOT had called SOS on it's own. I assume from getting wet. I pulled the batteries out but was not able to use it the rest of the trip. I felt really bad that a rescue effort had started due to this malfunction. Also, my wife was called at 12;30 pm with the news that a rescue was in progress for her husband and son and was not called back until 8:30 pm with the news that everything was ok, leaving her with 8 hours of extreme worry. I could not feel worse about what she had to go through.

Wow, thanks for the info, I thought they were waterproof.

Two hours later, as we were eating dinner at our site on Wine, a rescue helicopter came by and dropped two men down to our site.

Define this please.
Did they rappel into your site?
Was it the MN State Police helicopter out of the twin cities?

I had the same experience with my SPOT. At the start of a 6 day Quetico trip the unit got wet and transmitted an uncommanded SOS alert. My wife was notified that an alert was sent and was questioned regarding my trip plans. Over a period of several hours, SPOT elected not to notify search personnel as the unit was transmiting a conflicting signal which showed I was moving. This all occurred on a Sunday and I exited the park the following Saturday. My wife was happy to hear from me.
When calling SPOT regarding the situation, they initially insinuated that I activated the SOS button because the unit was not prone to water damage. I assured them quite clearly that wasn't the case and they replaced the unit.

Wow, that's just crazy. Were they mad at you for the false call?

quote LindenTree3: "Wow, thanks for the info, I thought they were waterproof.


Two hours later, as we were eating dinner at our site on Wine, a rescue helicopter came by and dropped two men down to our site.


Define this please.
Did they rappel into your site?
Was it the MN State Police helicopter out of the twin cities?"

Two guys rappelled down from the helicopter. Told us they came out of the twin cities and it took two hours to reach us.

quote Savage Voyageur: "Wow, that's just crazy. Were they mad at you for the false call?"

No, not mad at all. Just glad we were ok. Very professional.

quote movington: "

quote Savage Voyageur: "Wow, that's just crazy. Were they mad at you for the false call?"

No, not mad at all. Just glad we were ok. Very professional. "

Are they going to send you a bill for the "rescue"? Just curious. I believe our local "Flight For Life" charges around $35,000 (before any discount to an insurance company), from what I have heard for transportation to a nearby trauma center (in my case, the trauma center, which is actually where the helicopter is based), is only about 4 miles from my house.

An ambulance ride is in the $750 range after the health insurance discount in my area. Could be more if they have to turn on the siren. My wife was transported about two years ago in an ambulance 5 miles to the same trauma center after a T-bone accident. Her Honda CRV was totaled by the person that hit her at an intersection. Not sure why they would charge for an ambulance ride since we pay property taxes to the fire/rescue district, but they do. Thanks.

Tomster

interesting info about the SPOT. i reactivated my Gen3 before the early may trip this year. we commented that every time after we hit the OK button we ended up hearing a plane overhead. i was very cautious to make sure i pressed the correct button and then made sure to press it on day trips and various places we traveled so anyone could see we were on the move.

i believe the USFS can not charge for S&R, but this may have changed over the years. A donation is always in order from someone who benefits from any S&R effort.

SPOT offers extraction insurance. it's pricey but so is a rescue.

Both SPOT and InReach clearly state that their devices are not waterproof.

WOW! Good to know. Seems like the outfitters should be warning people!
Sounds like a wild interruption to your trip. I can only imagine how worried your wife must have been.

A ziplock bag might help make it waterproof.

Sorry for the worries that your families went through.

quote movington: "

quote Savage Voyageur: "Wow, that's just crazy. Were they mad at you for the false call?"

No, not mad at all. Just glad we were ok. Very professional. "

This is my favorite part of the story. The rest makes me upset for you, but the fact that they weren't mad and were glad to see you healthy is good.

To the other poster, where I live any unconsciousness resulting from an accident is an automatic helicopter flight. My friend's husband fell off the roof last fall and that flight cost them $10,500. She said it was worth it.

Very informative info!
Eight hours is too long a wait to contact family members. That's a lot of time spent in worry-zone.
Those satellite phones and one-way texting communication devices are looking to be a better alternative. But, of course, if they get wet too and malfunction it's a moot point.
I keep mine in map case which is heavy duty & double zip. I mistakenly thought them to be waterproof or at least more water resistant. What's the point of the rubber gasket and D-ring thumb screws on the battery cover?
The rescue team sure did zero-in on the signal, tho. That's good to learn.

quote quark2222: "

quote movington: "

quote Savage Voyageur: "Wow, that's just crazy. Were they mad at you for the false call?"

No, not mad at all. Just glad we were ok. Very professional. "

Are they going to send you a bill for the "rescue"? Just curious. I believe our local "Flight For Life" charges around $35,000 (before any discount to an insurance company), from what I have heard for transportation to a nearby trauma center (in my case, the trauma center, which is actually where the helicopter is based), is only about 4 miles from my house.


An ambulance ride is in the $750 range after the health insurance discount in my area. Could be more if they have to turn on the siren. My wife was transported about two years ago in an ambulance 5 miles to the same trauma center after a T-bone accident. Her Honda CRV was totaled by the person that hit her at an intersection. Not sure why they would charge for an ambulance ride since we pay property taxes to the fire/rescue district, but they do. Thanks.


Tomster"

I'm not sure about being charged or not. I did buy the insurance when I bought my SPOT, so I hope I'm covered. I'll update this message thread if I receive a bill.

quote andym: "A ziplock bag might help make it waterproof.


Sorry for the worries that your families went through. "

Next time it goes in a clear waterproof phone case that I can attach to my portage pack. I want to be able to use it's tracking feature.

Crazy story. I can't imagine having full confidence in a SPOT ever again now. Looks like its back to drawing lines and keeping track of times in a notebook.

quote VaderStrom: "Crazy story. I can't imagine having full confidence in a SPOT ever again now. Looks like its back to drawing lines and keeping track of times in a notebook."

Better use one of those waterproof notebooks ;).

quote boonie: "

quote VaderStrom: "Crazy story. I can't imagine having full confidence in a SPOT ever again now. Looks like its back to drawing lines and keeping track of times in a notebook."

Better use one of those waterproof notebooks ;)."

Silly me. To clarify: I'm using a digital notebook that will cry for help if I drop it in the water....oh wait...

quote Frenchy19: "Both SPOT and InReach clearly state that their devices are not waterproof. "

I am not sure where they state this, but it is not consistent with what I am finding online about their products (at least their current ones). This thread got me very curious so I did some research on this. I didn't look at all their products, or any past ones, but the DeLorme inReach SE+ and the SPOT Gen3 state their water ratings as meeting IPX7 standards, which means they are rated for up to 1 meter of water depth for up to 30 minutes. That's a lot less waterproof than say a scuba diver's watch, but *should* be enough to keep them safe in rain or brief submersions. Waterproof is a very squishy word; the more water pressure and the more time exposed, the more likely something will eventually leak. SPOTs user guide PDF does say that while its connected by hard wire (I assume thats for charging or downloading) it is not waterproof.

Now whether or not they live up to this stated standard is another issue, and I have no basis to doubt either claim made in this thread. Two reports of failure after brief submersion should certainly raise some eyebrows.

On the other hand, this does highlight an advantage of the ACR ResQ+, which is rated to 5 meters for an hour, or 10 meters for 10 minutes - seemingly a healthy dose more watertight. I'm glad to know this as I keep mine in the chest pocket of my PDF.

Both spot Gen3 and Inreach are rated at IPX7: meaning the design has passed testing at 1meter immersion for 30 minutes. They may loose watertightness with poor manufacturing or damage. Gasketed seals do need to be inspected and cleaned of dust/ particles before closure.

Not the first report of a malfunctioning spot device, though. Another point for Inreach.

Wow, that's quite a cautionary tale. Hopefully future models will be more liquid resistant. I'd hate to dump on a daytrip or while travelling and have SAR show up unexpectedly.

Are there any other tracking/emergency devices that any of you have seen this happen with before?

I always carried mine in a waterproof case, never had any issues. I would never strap it to my backpack as it would get banged around a lot. My life may depend on it so I take great care with it. I do have an inreach now and the two way messaging is a great feature. If you do need help you can give some context...like I am having a heart attack or I broke my leg. It would save a lot of time in dispatching and guessing on the part of the dispatchers.

quote hobbydog: "I always carried mine in a waterproof case, never had any issues. I would never strap it to my backpack as it would get banged around a lot. My life may depend on it so I take great care with it. I do have an inreach now and the two way messaging is a great feature. If you do need help you can give some context...like I am having a heart attack or I broke my leg. It would save a lot of time in dispatching and guessing on the part of the dispatchers. "

Same here...mine is always in a small dry bag zipped into my PFD.

Glad this story ended well.

quote Frenchy19: "Both SPOT and InReach clearly state that their devices are not waterproof. "

That never really registered with me. I'll have to take more care with my Inreach from now on!

quote HighnDry: "

quote Frenchy19: "Both SPOT and InReach clearly state that their devices are not waterproof. "

That never really registered with me. I'll have to take more care with my Inreach from now on!"

Both are rated to IPX7, as Jaywalker stated.
"Ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1 m of submersion)."

May be worth a warranty check over by Spot.

butthead

On a cool note you made it on MPR

quote Canoearoo: "On a cool note you made it on MPR"

I don't know about that...according to someone on this site, who made this comment on another thread...this was how it was reported..

"I heard on MPR that someone pushed the 911 button on their spot on Friday but didn't know they had pushed it and a full out search and rescue was launched only to find out no one was needing help. The group thought they had pressed the ok button."

which is not true.
No buttons were pushed, on accident or purpose, when it sent out the SOS call.

quote Frenchy19: "Both SPOT and InReach clearly state that their devices are not waterproof. "

I guess the follow up question would be why not, where do they think people are going with these the Sahara :-)

quote movington: "

quote Canoearoo: "On a cool note you made it on MPR"

I don't know about that...according to someone on this site, who made this comment on another thread...this was how it was reported..


"I heard on MPR that someone pushed the 911 button on their spot on Friday but didn't know they had pushed it and a full out search and rescue was launched only to find out no one was needing help. The group thought they had pressed the ok button."


which is not true.
No buttons were pushed, on accident or purpose, when it sent out the SOS call. "

"Fake News" or "Alternative Facts" maybe? Just kidding. I was listening to Wisconsin NPR today or yesterday on the way home from work about a different subject, and they did talk about which set of "facts" you believe. Just saying. Definitely not trying to start something here.

Tomster

quote andym: "A ziplock bag might help make it waterproof.


Sorry for the worries that your families went through. "

Their is many waterproof plastic cases on the market. To me that would be the way to go,but I know nothing about how good they would work within that case. Nothing else couldn't you take it out when needed.
Quite a story. Wow.

quote Frenchy19: "Both SPOT and InReach clearly state that their devices are not waterproof. "

Can you link where this is clearly stated?
I rented an InReach my first trip, and had it in a cargo pocket of my pants when I slipped off a beaver dam. The unit was submerged for 15-20 seconds, with no ill affect. Functioned flawlessly for the rest of the trip. I now own the same model.
I guess we need to define "waterproof". The InReach is designed to be "water resistant" to 1 meter and 30 minutes of submersion. I would think that means a quick dump at a portage should not result in a false SOS.

1 meter for 30 minutes
FROM MANUAL

Was the OP's SPOT a GEN3? If not, were previous GEN's also waterproof.

The manual does say that it is important to fully tighten the battery cover to maintain the waterproof seal.

I know my camera goes further by stating it is important tyo keep the seal free from lint, hair, dust, and dirt to ensure the waterproofness.

quote boonie: "Was the OP's SPOT a GEN3? If not, were previous GEN's also waterproof.


The manual does say that it is important to fully tighten the battery cover to maintain the waterproof seal.


I know my camera goes further by stating it is important tyo keep the seal free from lint, hair, dust, and dirt to ensure the waterproofness. "

It can be waterproof yet not "guaranteed" to be waterproof. And that is before it has been banged around or as you say, the seal for the battery not completely seated.

Mine goes in a waterproof case with my GPS . Having a snack, taking a break and checking in.

Invest in a "pelican" case. A small price to pay to protect your investment. Those things are bullet proof.

quote boonie: "Was the OP's SPOT a GEN3? If not, were previous GEN's also waterproof.


The manual does say that it is important to fully tighten the battery cover to maintain the waterproof seal.


I know my camera goes further by stating it is important tyo keep the seal free from lint, hair, dust, and dirt to ensure the waterproofness. "

Gen 3. Brand new. I just bought it in January and this was the first time I used it in the BW

According to the information, it's supposed to be waterproof enough to survive what happened. I can't imagine your shock and surprise, or your wife's worry. Thanks for letting us all know so we can take precautions.

They are on the "not allowed" list at the Boy Scout high adventure bases. Apparently false triggers are common.

Interesting. We don't worry about our GPS or PLB. The former isn't critical and the latter doesn't have a replaceable battery and so no battery door to leak. A failure with a SPOT can certainly cause worries or a unneeded rescue.

A simple ziplock can go a long way toward protecting a device from incidental water and even shallow immersion. I sometimes do that with my cell phone when sailing (if not using a full dry bag).

Just noticed I'm repeating myself. Life's like that.

One of several reasons why I prefer the ACR style PLB. Much more watertight (and floats), no worries about keeping fresh batteries, stronger SOS singal, etc.

If you have to keep your emergency beacon in a waterproof case then it's not probably not going to be readily accessible. I always keep mine either in a pants pocket, on my PFD, or on my backpack shoulder strap where it's always within reach for immediate activation, and much more difficult to separate from. I don't want to have to worry about it getting bumped or wet, 'cause it's gonna happen!

"SPOT offers extraction insurance. it's pricey but so is a rescue."

Cost is only $17.95 per year. . .don't know what your definition of price is.

Covers $100,000 of SAR expenses. I have my policy on auto renew. I use the spot for all outdoor activities and hunting as well. Don't want to worry about extraction expenses.

I have had a Gen 1 device since they came out. We keep it in a Pelican Dry box. I have never had a false signal and it still works when I send OK signals to my wife. I use the second button for the outfitter with a programed message of "pick us up at this location, non medical emergency." I have also used the middle button for signalling the outfitter when in Ely that we were ready to be picked up at the portage/take out.

Spots don't send false signals unless they get wet, dropped, etc. WE keep the Spot, a weather radio, and a marine/air radio in the dry box along with a couple of long range two way radios.

quote andym: "A ziplock bag might help make it waterproof.


Sorry for the worries that your families went through. "

I would place it in something way more waterproof then a cheap ziplock bag. My PLB goes in a small Dry sack and then unto Otterbox dry box.

Huh, This is a community where it is standard to use unsealed contractors bags to keep gear dry and I'm taking crap for using a ziplock to keep a waterproof device safer. I think decent zip locks may be better than people think. For a use like this, you shouldn't need to keep the device bone dry, just from more than a few drops getting in.

But as a compromise, consider an OP sack. They are very waterproof but still don't make a device bulky and so you may still be able to keep it in a Pfd pocket.

I will admit that my plb goes in my daypack which has a waterproof compartment. But the waterproof part is more to keep my lunch dry. I should have it and a ditch kit in my pocket.

I agree on zip lock. Used one for my point and shoot camera before upgraded to waterproof and bit was fine. I amazed by how far some go with waterproif liners in liners, since i just use one folded over at top.

I had a cell phone on a local river canoe trip - in a pelican box. Flipped and it leaked an phone was not recoverable.

We rent out the very first (Generation 1?) Spot trackers in our rentals.

I had someone lose it in a lake, it went down a rapids and was found on the shoreline 3-4 days later. Worked just fine. But you are right, it does state that up to 30 minutes submerged will be okay. Maybe that is why ours was fine, because it kept afloat until found on another shoreline and was not submerged except maybe a bit on the rapids..

The newer Spots, like the Gen 3 that you can charge with a USB port, has a little rubber flap that is supposed to help keep it dry/clean. Besides it being a bit more complex/extra features, to use than the original Spot, I don't trust those little rubber flaps that cover for the USB or for the SOS and Help buttons, and especially not when they are rental units. So, I have chosen not to buy or rent those. The basic models are not sold anymore and I'm glad I have a couple new ones that I can replace the current ones in case they are lost or damaged beyond being able to repair.