A feature on smart mobile phones and watches detects rapid accelerations, interprets these as a vehicle crash, and alerts emergency services via Triple Zero.
Several recent false alarms have shown that the device can also be triggered when on board a vessel that is travelling over choppy water or bouncing over waves.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell has asked boaters to check their mobile devices for the feature, and to consider turning it off while on the water to avoid triggering an accidental emergency response by the emergency services.
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