26 February 2026

Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today released its 2025 inReach^® SOS report, highlighting trends involving SOS incident messages reported to the Garmin Response℠ international emergency coordination center during the past calendar year.

The report provides insights into the activities of adventurers who found themselves in need of emergency assistance. inReach satellite technology¹ has helped users stay in touch with critical SOS emergency response services, two-way text messaging and location tracking for 15 years. That SOS technology expanded across several Garmin product lines in 2025 with the release of fēnix^® 8 Pro, the first-ever smartwatch from Garmin with inReach technology for satellite and cellular connectivity, as well as inReach Mini 3 Plus and GPSMAP^® H1i Plus –  satellite communicators that let adventurers exchange voice messages, texts and photos with the Garmin Response team should an emergency occur¹.

Here are some key takeaways from the 2025 report:

• More than 3,000 inReach SOS incident messages were received.
• Users sent an SOS message the most during hiking and backpacking activities, followed by driving and motorcycling.
• There was also an increase in incidents during water activities, like boating and sailing, with more boating issues reported than in previous years.
• Work-related SOS incidents jumped into the top 10 categories, illustrating how organisations are using inReach technology to help equip workers for emergency situations.
• Injuries were once again the top cause for SOS messages, followed by motor vehicle accidents and medical issues like altitude sickness and heart problems.
• Most SOS messages were for the user; however, an increased number of messages were triggered for another member of the user’s party or for a third-party individual.
• With the help of professionally trained Garmin Response center staff, inReach users were able to self-rescue more than 12% of the time.
   

How inReach SOS works with Garmin Response Center

Thanks to a dedicated SOS alert button and satellite network coverage via Iridium^® and Skylo, Garmin inReach users can quickly send an SOS message should an emergency occur. Once an SOS message is triggered, even if the user takes no other action, the device sends a distress message to Garmin Response, a 24/7-staffed professional emergency coordination center. The Garmin Response team will communicate with the user, their listed emergency contacts, search and rescue organisations and other available local resources. They provide updates to users and emergency contacts on the response effort, including confirmation when help is on the way, and remain available as the incident is being resolved. Garmin Response monitors millions of handheld devices, satellite phones, smartphones and smartwatches each year.

Watch what happens when you press SOS.

What customers are saying about inReach SOS and Garmin Response

 
“I never imagined I would have to use the SOS feature, but when I did, it worked flawlessly – and I genuinely believe it made the difference between life and death. I will never go on another adventure without my inReach.” – Mylene Torres, inReach customer who triggered an SOS message after being struck by a boulder.

“It’s hard to describe the anxiety felt in the aftermath of a disaster by the inability to communicate with loved ones. It was a great relief to have a device and service that could ease people’s minds when regular communication systems failed.” – Stephen Hackett, customer who used an inReach device in hurricane aftermath

 More ways to stay connected with Garmin inReach technology
 

• Leave the phone behind and still stay in touch with fēnix 8 Pro and quatix^® 8 Pro, premium GPS smartwatches with built-in satellite and cellular connectivity on the wrist.
• For those with limited space in their gear, the palm-sized inReach Mini 3 Plus two-way satellite communicator provides voice messaging, two-way texting, photo sharing², LiveTrack^™ location sharing and a battery that can last weeks – all packed into a compact, lightweight design.
• Dedicated explorers, mountaineers and hunters may prefer the rugged GPSMAP H1i Plus GPS handheld and satellite communicator, which offers photo and voice message capabilities, along with preloaded TopoActive maps.
• Overlanders can pair their Tread^® 2 – Overland Edition with a compatible inReach device – or take advantage of built-in satellite technology with Tread XL – Overland Edition – while venturing beyond cell service in the dirt, snow and everything in between.
• Aviators can send and receive messages right from the cockpit with the Garmin Messenger^™ App for smartphones.

Learn more about all of Garmin's inReach-capable devices here.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionised life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, contact our media team, connect with @garminoutdoor on social, or follow our blog.  

¹Active satellite subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit satellite communication devices; it is the user’s responsibility to know and follow all applicable laws.​​​​​​
² Taking and sending photos requires use of the Garmin Messenger app on your paired smartphone