
22/09/2025
📡 DUMPED BEACONS ARE PUTTING LIVES AT RISK 💔
Once a week this year, a dumped beacon has triggered an unnecessary rescue response.
That’s because rescue teams take each beacon alert seriously, often deploying helicopters at $4,000 an hour, only to find the signal has come from a dump.
➡️ “It does take resources away from other people who might need it,” says Alex Taylor from Maritime NZ.
When resources are tied up chasing false alarms, it can delay urgent responses for those in real need, whether it’s someone tramping in the bush, fishing offshore, or facing a medical emergency.
IF YOU’RE REPLACING YOUR BEACON THIS SPRING 👇
1️⃣ Deregister your beacon:
Log in to your beacons.org.nz account to remove it, OR email contact.beacons@maritimenz.govt.nz with your beacon details.
2️⃣ Send your old beacon to RCCNZ for safe disposal:
Level 1, Avalon Studios
41 Percy Cameron Street
Lower Hutt 5011
Together, we can keep rescue teams free to respond when lives and health truly depend on it.
www.waihekemedical.co.nz