RALEIGH, N.C. — Aug. 17, 2026 — America’s Boating Channel®, the award-winning boating safety video service of America’s Boating Club® | United States Power Squadrons®, has released a new educational video explaining electronic locator beacons and how these important safety devices can help boaters summon assistance and improve their chances of being located during an emergency.
Electronic locator beacons, including emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) and personal locator beacons (PLBs), use satellite technology to transmit an emergency signal and location information to search-and-rescue authorities. The devices can be particularly valuable when a boater is operating offshore or in areas where cellular phone coverage is limited or unavailable.
The new video provides an overview of how electronic locator beacons work, the differences between common types of beacons, and considerations for selecting and using these devices. It also emphasizes the importance of registering applicable beacons and understanding how to activate them in an emergency.
“An electronic locator beacon can be a critical link between a boater in distress and search-and-rescue personnel,” said America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons Chief Commander Mike Wiedel. “Knowing what these devices do, how they work and when to use them can help boaters be better prepared for an emergency on the water.”
America’s Boating Channel produces boating-safety videos covering navigation, emergency preparedness, life jackets, vessel safety and other topics designed to help boaters operate safely and responsibly.
The new “Electronic Locator Beacons” video is available through America’s Boating Channel and can be shared by boating organizations, instructors, marinas and other groups to promote boating safety.
The video is available for free viewing at America’s Boating Channel YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@AmericasBoatingChannel/videos) or on the free on-demand app on Roku or FireTV.
America’s Boating Channel is produced by America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe boating through education, civic service, and fellowship.
For more information about America’s Boating Channel and its boating safety resources, visit America’s Boating Channel. – AmericasBoatingChannel.com
