Hello! Do you know where I can buy a Personal Locator Beacon for use in Canada and how much one costs?

—Katie Martin

Annie's Answer:

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You'll find the best choice of beacons at larger marine-supply stores, generally in port cities. These require a certain level of knowledge on your part to use safely and effectively, so the personal attention of a salesperson is key. Unless you know exactly what you want or need, avoid mail order.

You have a couple of personal-beacon options: Go whole hog and spend $1,000 to $1,500 for a GPS Interface EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), which, when deployed, will broadcast your exact location to emergency services worldwide. A Category I EPIRB is automatically deployable, and broadcasts on the universal 406 mHz. emergency frequency. A Category II unit is manually deployable (i.e., you have to turn it on in an emergency), and costs somewhat less.

Another option is a compact Class B EPIRB unit, which lacks the GPS interface but typically transmits an emergency signal simultaneously on 121.5 mHz (civilian) and 240.0 mHz (military) frequencies. These typically cost $500 or less and are the best overall choice for paddlers or small-boat adventurers.

However, no beacon will bail you out of a bad situation of your own making . . . in remote areas, rescue is still hours or even days away. In other words, a locator beacon is a second line of defense. Your own brain—informed about what you're doing, what gear you need, and what techniques you must know for a certain trip—is your primary safety equipment.