The newly released Garmin Health Diabetes Insight Report details several of these collaborations and shares a unique perspective from Garmin Health leadership about the growing global prevalence of type 2 diabetes.

Here is a short preview of what you can find in the report.

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes is a preventable metabolic disorder characterized by abnormal hyperglycemia. As one of the leading causes of mortality, diabetes impacts 1 in every 11 adults worldwide and is responsible for an estimated $1 trillion in health care costs. Contributing factors include the proliferation of highly processed foods, increasingly sedentary lifestyles and rapid changes in urbanization.

Evolving solutions

Digital applications have shifted care from a reactive, one-size-fits-all approach to proactive and personalized insights based upon biometric data from wearables like Garmin smartwatches¹ and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in tandem with AI platforms. Additionally, the recent rise in peptide therapies like GLP-1 drugs has shown a significant impact. However, the cost and side effects of these medications are limiting factors, making lifestyle modifications tied to physical activity, stress and sleep enduring components of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes care.

Twin Health and other collaborators

As the creator of the first AI digital twin, U.S.-based technology company Twin Health has shown impressive results for metabolic disease reversal, prevention and optimal metabolic health. In a landmark Twin Health study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, 71% of twin participants reduced A1C below the diabetes range, compared to just 2.4% in the control group.

Additional collaborators include:

• Diabetes2CARE (Netherlands)
• Hello Inside (Austria)
• ON LiMiT (Denmark)
• Project Embrace (United Kingdom)
• SENTI-H (Switzerland)

At the center of these innovative, AI-driven solutions is data. This is the vital intersection at which Garmin Health sits, unlocking solutions with Garmin smartwatches and data integration one collaboration at a time. As Scott Burgett, senior director of Garmin Health engineering, states in the report, “Diabetes may be one of the greatest public health issues in modern history, but we are seeing strong evidence that scalable preventive care, powered by data, can help change its trajectory.”

To learn more about how Garmin smartwatch data is being utilized by the aforementioned organizations, read the full Diabetes Insight Report.

For additional information related to Garmin Health, visit the Garmin Health solutions page. Contact us if Garmin wearable technology and the Garmin Health connected ecosystem could play a vital role in your next project.

Finally, sign up for the Garmin Health newsletter to stay up to date on the latest trends, research and innovations.

_{¹Garmin wearable devices are consumer wellness devices and are not medical devices under the regulation of any jurisdiction, including Regulation (EU) 2017/745. They are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, or treatment of any disease. Any medical or clinical functionality described is provided by a third-party solution and is solely based on their interpretation of data gathered from various data sources.}

The post Inside look: Garmin Health Diabetes Insight Report appeared first on Garmin Blog.

Watch the video below to see how it works:

Want to learn more? Sign up here to receive the latest news from Garmin aviation.

¹ _{When paired with a smartphone, with a data connection, and in range of Bluetooth® technology}

The post How to import your digital logbook into Garmin Pilot appeared first on Garmin Blog.

That’s where Garmin Spy pole comes into play. Having Spy pole on board helps increase your chances of a catch. Plus, the Garmin live sonar pole connects with both your Garmin chartplotter and the Garmin Force® trolling motor so you can control more of your boat and use your Garmin LiveScope system to its fullest potential.

Let’s breakdown the benefits of having Spy pole on your boat for even better fishing.

1. Independent positioning

Stay locked in on fish and worry less about maintaining your position. Thanks to built-in True Motion technology, keep your true position without losing sight of your next catch.

If you’re locked in on a certain brush pile or school of fish, you can trust that your trolling motor will work to maintain ideal heading position while your Spy pole and LiveScope show you where the fish are in real time with SpyLock.

2. Seamless integration

When you have both a Garmin chartplotter and trolling motor, Spy pole is an ideal addition. The trio allows you to control your LiveScope pole directly from your chartplotter for a simplified, performance-driven outing. When paired, take advantage of predefined modes such as SpyLock to lock your LiveScope on a point of interest and SpyScan to oscillate the pole as you search for fish and structure.

Plus, Spy pole can mirror the speed and mount direction of your Force trolling motor in SpyLink mode. Traditionally done with a LiveScope transducer, users can scan the underwater world with their trolling motor remote and foot pedal. Even when your anchor lock is set, use the Force foot pedal to control your pole. 

With a Garmin live sonar pole, GPS integration results in clear imagery and precise structure position.

3. Advanced sonar imagery

With Spy pole, there’s no excuse for not having the full picture. When you mount the GT360UHD transducer to your Spy pole, see 360-sonar 3D and 2D images with OneVü. With views all around, scan and store the equivalent of up to 120 yards of sonar imagery – the size of a football field. When viewing imagery on your Garmin chartplotter, customize the color, dial in the settings, and engage auto, manual or constant scans depending on your preference.

4. Ultimate control

Whether you’re casting your line or surveying a bank or channel, remain in control in most situations. Have the choice of hands-free fishing with the gesture remote and wireless foot controls. Attach your gesture remote to your rod or hold it and point your Spy pole in the direction you prefer to scan.

If you prefer hands-free control, Spy pole includes a low-profile foot control. To switch up your views as you hold onto your rod, change the position of the Spy pole by shifting the weight of your foot.

When you’re on the move, anglers can troll and scan simultaneously with independent control of their trolling motor.

For every angler and every catch, Spy pole should be your next upgrade. Learn more about Garmin LiveScope and other marine electronic offerings so you can be up to date on all thing’s live sonar.

The post 4 benefits to having Spy pole on your boat appeared first on Garmin Blog.

ActiveCaptain Community has grown into a valuable resource and a friend to boaters everywhere, amassing more than 176,000 independent reviews of marinas, points of interest, places to drop anchor, potential hazards, bridges, dams, boat ramps and more. Users can also provide photos along with their written reviews, painting an even clearer picture of what you may encounter.

Whether you’re a cruiser, sailor, angler or even a passenger, Sharing the Experience^® is made possible with access to user-left information and by providing your own comments and reviews through the ActiveCaptain^® app and ActiveCaptain Community online.

Here’s a breakdown of all you can do when you’re connected to fellow boaters through ActiveCaptain Community.

Plan the perfect trip

Before stepping foot on the boat, familiarize yourself with potential locations using ratings, reviews and user-submitted photos on your compatible Garmin chartplotter and ActiveCaptain app. Community input makes it easier to determine where you want to stop and where you want to explore.

Find information on the water

If you find yourself making an unexpected pit stop or wanting to change course in the middle of a trip, use ActiveCaptain Community to discover new places to visit and local marinas with an available slip or mooring.

If you’re looking for information on marinas, anchorages or waterfront services, click on the markers to see user reviews and ratings. If you’re changing your route, click on nearby markers with user-left comments for information on potential hazards, boat ramps, dams and more.

Take a look at what some of our users have said in the ActiveCaptain Community:

• Wormley Creek Marina 5-star review: “A little slice of heaven. We loved seeing the gorgeous sunsets and the coast guard going out. The entire staff was so friendly and helpful!”
• Pinckney Island: “Very comfortable anchorage with good holding. Current is minimal. Entrance to Mackey Creek from Port Royal Sound was 5 feet at mid tide, depth quickly improved. Very quiet with only a few other smaller boats passing during the day.”
• Glover Bight 5-star review: “Tied to the pier with a stern anchor out and explored the park for 1/2 a day. Rotary Park was great and FREE: nature center with snakes, fish, salamanders, butterflies, lots of trails, lookout towers, dog park and places to stop and rest or use the exercise stations.”

Provide your own boating insights

Chances are you’ve gained some unique insights during your time on the water and can help other boaters in your area. You don’t have to share all your secrets, but maybe there’s a spot where you always buy your live bait or a boat launch upstream that’s easier to use if you have a larger truck. If so, share your experiences with other mariners by leaving your own reviews and comments.

Ready to join the community? Learn more about the ActiveCaptain Community and its offerings.

The post How to connect with other boaters using ActiveCaptain Community appeared first on Garmin Blog.

Garmin users with select smartwatches can now integrate their temperature data with the FDA-cleared Natural Cycles app.¹

Here’s how you can use your Garmin smartwatch with the Natural Cycles app.    

What is Natural Cycles?

The Natural Cycles (NC°) app is an FDA Class II medical device designed to prevent and plan pregnancy naturally. It analyzes body temperature and other key fertility indicators to determine each user’s unique daily fertility status and provide personalized cycle insights.

This hormone-free birth control app helps women know their fertile days and when they need protection.

How does Natural Cycles integrate with Garmin?

Your hormones fluctuate throughout your cycle, causing your body temperature to rise after ovulation and decrease during your period. Tracking your skin temperature overnight provides a glimpse into those changes. While Natural Cycles users sleep, their compatible Garmin smartwatch tracks their skin temperature throughout the night, automatically syncing to the Garmin Connect app and sending the data to the NC° app in the morning. The NC° app then generates personalized daily insights, helping women take control of their fertility from birth control to pregnancy planning and beyond.

Why is this helpful for you?

By considering factors such as menstrual cycle irregularities, temperature changes and hormone fluctuations, the Natural Cycles app delivers customized fertility insights, helping users better understand their reproductive health at each stage.

Browse compatible Garmin smartwatches today. And whether you’re looking to prevent pregnancy, plan pregnancy faster, or just learn more about your body, start by learning more about Natural Cycles.

¹_{Compatible Garmin smartwatches are consumer wellness devices and are not medical devices intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or monitor medical conditions. The Natural Cycles app independently determines fertility status based on skin temperature and other data.}

The post How to use the Natural Cycles° app with your Garmin smartwatch appeared first on Garmin Blog.

When you’re in the field, you need reliable navigation and battery life that won’t let you down. You need a purpose-built, durable device with dedicated tactical features. And you need to track your fitness and health.

Garmin tactical smartwatches have all that and more.

But before we get into specifics to help you decide which watch is right for you, you should know what features are available on most of them.

Essential features you’ll love on Garmin tactical smartwatches

Navigation: Let’s start with navigation. Any of these smartwatches will include an altimeter, barometer and 3-axis compass (ABC sensors), plus multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology for superior positioning accuracy while optimizing battery life. You’ll also get point-to-point navigation, TracBack® routing (so you can follow your GPS track on the way back) and more. With preloaded TopoActive maps, you’ll see high-quality elevation mapping with premium contours and maximum detail. Purchase an Outdoor Maps+ plan¹, and you’ll be able to see a color-coded map overlay with public land boundaries as well as hunting unit boundaries and more.

Battery life: The battery life on the larger versions of these smartwatches ranges from up to 16 days on MARQ Commander (Gen 2) – Carbon Edition to unlimited with the Instinct 3 – Solar, Tactical Edition smartwatch, thanks to solar charging².

Durability: How durable are Garmin tactical smartwatches? We’ve put them to the test again and again — and again. Each has a water rating of 10 ATM, and most have been tested to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock and water resistance.

Health and wellness features: With Body Battery energy monitoring, you’ll better understand the toll your day-to-day activity is taking on your body. Advanced sleep tracking³ helps you understand how you’re sleeping at night while Garmin sleep coach estimates how much sleep you need the next night. And monitoring your heart rate variability (the always-changing interval between heartbeats) can help you stay balanced between rest and intense days.

Performance features: The recovery time countdown timer helps you know when you’re ready for your next tough workout. With training load, you can better understand the impact and recovery needs of your activities, while your training status helps you connect the dots between your training and your results. Plus, training readiness delivers a score between 1-100, so you’ll know if it’s a good day to push yourself or if you should take a break.

Applied Ballistics® integration: This third-party feature offers customized aiming solutions for long-range shooting based on the characteristics of your rifle and bullets, as well as environmental conditions.

Night vision: When you need to operate stealthily, turn on night vision mode to dim brightness and black out the display to reduce detectability.

Stealth mode: This keeps your tactical watch operational but stops storing and sharing your GPS position. It also disables wireless connectivity and communication.

Rucking activity: Next time you load your rucksack with weight, you can start a rucking activity on your compatible tactical smartwatch. That allows you to enter the weight of your pack so you can better understand the physical exertion associated with rucking.

LED flashlight: Most Garmin tactical smartwatches feature a built-in LED flashlight with different color options and intensities.

Now that you know the essentials you’ll get out of the box, let’s break down the different tactical smartwatches.

If you want unlimited battery life and tactical features

Instinct 3 – Tactical Edition: Available with an AMOLED display or two sizes in the solar-powered display (for unlimited battery life with a larger and more efficient solar lens), the rugged Instinct 3 smartwatch is packed with tactical features. These include night vision, rucking activity, stealth mode (which collects distances and biometrics without recording location data), projected waypoints, AB solver (unlock fee required), AB Quantum app compatibility, kill switch that wipes all user memory, jumpmaster, tactical activity and stage timer.

• Durability: This smartwatch features bolted construction, a fiber-reinforced polymer case, a metal-reinforced bezel and a scratch-resistant display.
• Battery life: The AMOLED model gets up to 24 days. The solar models can get unlimited battery life¹.
• Flashlight: Instinct 3 includes a built-in LED flashlight with a variety of intensities, strobe mode and green light.

If you want a smartwatch that’s built for the mission

tactix 8 series: This is the next-gen tactical smartwatch. You can choose between two AMOLED sizes or one size for solar. You can also opt for the Solar: AB Elite® model, which includes the Applied Ballistics Elite Solver (giving you access to advanced aiming solutions for long-range shooting in the field) — all other models include the Applied Ballistics Ultralight solver. tactix 8 includes tactical features such as rucking, jumpmaster activity, waypoint projection, dual-position GPS format, stealth mode, kill switch, AB Quantum mobile app compatibility, compatibility with night vision goggles and a dedicated tactical activity. Plus, civilian and military aviators benefit from Direct-to navigation with the worldwide aeronautical database, which helps users navigate to a location or waypoint, or use the “nearest” function to find a path to a nearby airport, as well as get aviation weather reports.

• Durability: In addition to the sensor guard and leakproof buttons, tactix 8 offers a titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire lens. Purpose-built for enhanced longevity, the tactix 8 Cerakote® Edition features a ceramic polymer composite coating that’s ready for the mission.
• Battery life: The largest AMOLED version offers up to 29 days of battery life, while the solar option can reach up to 48 days.
• Flashlight: The flashlight on tactix 8 provides a bright, steady white or green beam. In night vision mode, the white light is disabled, and the green light becomes dimmable.

If you want a luxurious spin on a modern tactical watch

MARQ® Commander (Gen 2) – Carbon Edition: This luxury tool watch is crafted from 130 layers of Fused Carbon Fiber. Each layer of carbon is rotated to a unique angle to increase the strength of the block, which is then heated and pressured to align with the watch shape housing for a beautiful and ultradurable design that’s rugged and lightweight. You can read the screen when wearing night vision goggles or switch settings for daytime use. Other tactical features include a stealth mode, kill switch, dual-position GPS format, jumpmaster, preloaded tactical activity and projected waypoints. If you’re in the air, it provides advanced aviation features such as Direct-to navigation and weather reports⁴.

• Durability: The bezel is made of Grade-5 titanium and Fused Carbon Fiber, while the case is made of Fused Carbon Fiber with a titanium rear cover. This luxurious smartwatch also includes a domed sapphire crystal lens and jacquard-weave nylon strap.
• Battery life: MARQ Commander provides up to 16 days in smartwatch mode.

Between Instinct 3, tactix 8 and MARQ Commander, there’s a Garmin smartwatch designed for your needs. Browse Garmin tactical smartwatches today to prepare yourself for any mission or adventure coming your way.

¹_{Some features may be delayed or unavailable on certain devices}

²_{Assumes all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions}

³_{See Garmin.com/ataccuracy}

⁴_{When paired with your compatible smartphone}

The post The best tactical Garmin watches appeared first on Garmin Blog.

What is Garmin Response?

Originally founded in 2007 and now owned by Garmin, Garmin Response is a leader in 24/7 emergency monitoring and incident response services. It is the nerve center for SOS dispatch efforts triggered by inReach-enabled devices and affiliated Satellite Emergency Notification Devices with active service plans. 

The Garmin Response center employs a dedicated team of skilled emergency response coordinators ready at any time to respond to SOS triggers. Using a proprietary emergency monitoring platform, an emergency response coordinator answers the SOS activation and collaborates with multiple members of the Garmin Response team on rescue coordination to keep the process moving quickly. 

Garmin Response by the numbers:

• More than 150,000 SOS alerts received
• More than 200 countries and territories covered for coordinated emergency responses
• More than 210 languages and dialects supported
• More than 19,000 inReach SOS responses

Where is the Garmin Response team located?

Garmin Response is located in Montgomery, Texas, U.S. All SOS monitoring, communication and emergency response coordination are handled at this location. 

How does Garmin Response connect to rescue organizations?

Garmin Response maintains a global database of local first responders and emergency services. As soon as an SOS activation is received, the Garmin Response team pulls up the precise location of the SOS alert, a corresponding list of emergency response organizations for that area and a map overlay of agency jurisdictions. The Garmin Response team contacts the local organization and works with them to dispatch resources to the incident site as necessary. 

What happens when you trigger an SOS?

The process varies slightly depending on the emergency, device type and location, but in a matter of minutes the basic workflow is:

1. The SOS alert, including exact GPS coordinates, is received by the Garmin Response team. 
   
2. A team member starts the response coordination by acknowledging the SOS with a message back to the device and requests more information regarding the nature of the emergency. If the user is unable to respond, the team member continues the rescue coordination.
   
3. Using the GPS coordinates automatically sent from the device, the team member consults the global first responder database to determine the local emergency service to contact and initiates communication with them. 
   
4. The team maintains communication with the user via two-way messaging to gather information regarding the incident. 
   
5. The team calls the emergency contacts listed in the user’s profile to inform them of the SOS and request additional information that might aid in the rescue. 
   
6. If possible, the Garmin Response team connects the rescue agency directly to the user for communication via two-way messaging through their device.
   
7. Throughout the entire process, Garmin Response will monitor the user’s location and send progress updates to the user and emergency contacts until the rescue is completed or canceled. 

Does SOS capability come with an inReach subscription? What about insurance?

SOS capability and access to Garmin Response are included with an active inReach subscription. 

An inReach subscription does not include additional insurance coverage or cover any possible costs incurred from an emergency response; however, additional Search and Rescue (SAR) insurance is available for select regions to purchase from Garmin. For more details on additional SAR insurance, visit SAR Insurance.

Why does Garmin have a dedicated emergency response team? 

Because every Garmin device with inReach technology is equipped with an SOS button, it is essential to provide effective emergency response and safety services for customers around the globe. Garmin Response has been focused on providing the highest quality of service to individuals in their time of need for more than 15 years. Team members know how to face the challenges of each unique incident with determination and compassion, providing world-class service and peace of mind to users and their loved ones when they need it the most. 

To find out more, check out our blog covering the top questions about triggering an SOS on an inReach device.

¹Active subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit satellite communication devices; it is the user’s responsibility to know and follow all applicable laws.

The post Get to know Garmin Response℠  appeared first on Garmin Blog.

That’s where Garmin digital switching and integrations come in. This technology can give you the smart-home experience ­on a boat. You can reduce your reliance on traditional switches, circuit breakers and fuses by integrating digital controls and monitoring into your boat. In other words, you can view and operate all your onboard electrical functions right from your chartplotter screen or compatible smartphone — all while keeping your helm crisp and clean.

Garmin offers three solutions based on where you are in your boat-ownership journey, whether that’s updating the boat you already own and love or are purchasing a new one.

Garmin Boat Switch

If you are looking to design a modern boating experience, without the complexity of customer configurations or graphics, you’ll want a Garmin Boat Switch. It’s a simple solution that comes preconfigured to add digital switching to operate onboard electrical functions.

Boat Switch comes with a preconfigured module, harness and pre-labeled connectors with 18” flying leads for easy setup by your  professional installer. It replaces your fuse box and physical switches, and it communicates via the NMEA 2000^® network to control up to 20 circuits from the screen on your GPSMAP^® or ECHOMAP^® chartplotter.

When you’ve assigned customizable switch names to on-off toggle switches, such as nav lights and bilge pumps, you’ll be able to control switch behaviors directly on your touchscreen. Adjust your interior lights with press-and-hold dimmers and control horns through momentary switches. You also get built-in tank sender detection and calibration for up to 4 tanks, such as fuel, freshwater, graywater, blackwater or livewell. Boat Switch includes a built-in livewell timer that automatically cycles your pump to keep water fresh for your catch while reducing continuous runtime to help extend pump life. Plus, monitor analog voltage on your house and start battery, as well as bilge pump operations. And, of course, you have the option to still use physical switches for backup. It’s your boat — now even smarter.

Garmin EmpirBus Systems

Building a new boat offers the greatest opportunities to create the most connected and smart-boat experience on the water with digital Garmin EmpirBus systems, which include digital integration, controls, monitoring, automation and custom graphics. You can work with your manufacturer to make sure your new boat functions exactly how you want it to, with next-level setups that include sensor alerts and system monitoring. Plus, customized automated modes help set the onboard mood or enhance boater peace of mind with easy-to-control security systems when cruising, fishing, relaxing and docking.

If you have a fishing boat, you may need automated controls of livewells and outrigger control. On cruisers and sailboats, you can add more automations akin to smart-home functionality — including grouping lights and monitoring system data. You can even tailor your light settings to automatically change based on time of day.

In each case, you’re gaining a boatload of control over your vessel. From your MFD, you can control a full array of exterior lights, cabin temperature, pumps and more. Control a full array of interior features as well as entertainment, security, mechanical and electrical systems. You can even extend control beyond the helm by using the ActiveCaptain^® app on a compatible mobile device within Wi-Fi^® range of your MFD, or add a conveniently placed keypad in the salon for quick access. Plus, you can add physical buttons to your most critical features, so you have redundancy for peace of mind. And if you need multiple screens or system access points on your boat, think about networking in the TD 50 touchscreen display as a companion instrument for access around your vessel — not just at the helm.

Have a third-party input device such as a steering wheel with input keys? No problem. The EmpirBus Connect 50 allows for third-party inputs to be programmed as remote input devices for chartplotters. It can be programmed to a variety of functions, including favorite keys, function-specific keys, media controls and complete display navigation — all seamlessly integrated within your Garmin system and compatible OneHelm ecosystem.

OnDeck Hub

Controlling your boat from anywhere just got easier. With the Garmin OnDeck Hub, you’ll have access to your boat’s data right on your mobile device. Whether you’re on board or somewhere on shore, receive text alerts¹ and updates about the status of your boat through the free ActiveCaptain app and an active subscription to an OnDeck plan.

When you’ve downloaded the ActiveCaptain app, enable alarm notifications for real-time monitoring of your boat. See boat battery, bilge activity, shore power, temperature changes and more right from your smartphone. Plus, take control of switches on board with the OnDeck hub and ActiveCaptain app. Users can manage up to 5 relay switches and critical onboard systems, such as battery chargers, ice makers and more.  

To track the movement and security of your boat, the built-in internal GPS sensor is updated every 15 or 30 minutes. If your boat has moved outside of the geofenced area, you will receive text alerts. 

Whether you’re designing a new boat for your future adventures, or you’re adding capability to your existing vessel, Garmin has solutions that will help you get the most enjoyment from your boat-ownership experience — and it’s all just a few touches away.

Learn more about Garmin marine products, and see how to make the most of your time on the water.

_{¹An active subscription plan is required. Both OnDeck Hub and user’s compatible smartphone or tablet must have connectivity via Wi-Fi or 3G/4G (or above) network. See cellular coverage area for OnDeck. NMEA is a registered trademark of the National Marine Electronics Association.}

_{NMEA is a registered trademark of the National Marine Electronics Association.}

The post Digital switching: Your one-stop shop to control all your boat’s systems appeared first on Garmin Blog.

One bright, beautiful snowmobiling day, a group of four of us were riding in an area of Wyoming we have all been before, traversing across challenging creek bottoms and exploring untouched powder up and over ridges.

With the record snowfall that season, we were cautious of avalanches and areas prone to slides. All of us had our avalanche backpacks, shovels, probes and beacons, and we had practiced and understood the protocol fully.

It was 2 p.m., and we were on a mountainside we have gone up and over many times. We stopped at the bottom to discuss our options. One person in our group decided to try a route and conveyed “Stay put and let me go look.”

We all know to go one snowmobile at a time on a steep slope, but as the initial rider started up, a second rider decided to follow. They were about five sled-lengths apart as the rest of us shouted in our intercoms for the second rider to stop.  

Before anything could be done, we observed a large crack in the snow between the two riders, and an avalanche started between them. The first rider made it to the top and the second rider tried to get out of the way, but it was too late, and the rider got swallowed up in a wall of snow and knocked off the snowmobile. We all kept an eye on the rider who was in the avalanche — watching them tumble and disappear and finally seeing their avalanche air bag deploy.

As the slide came to a stop, we rushed over to the rider who was buried up to their chin. Their snowmobile was nowhere to be seen.  

We started our rescue digging procedures and eventually freed them. A member in our group is certified in first aid and examined their overall condition. They were in a lot of pain but there were no broken bones or bleeding. We kept the individual warm with a fire and bivy bags.

We decided that riding out was less of an option, so I triggered an SOS message on my Garmin inReach device. I had the inReach paired to my phone and started communicating with the Garmin Response℠ team member, who also put me in touch with the local search and rescue (SAR) team.

Pairing to my phone worked out well because there was a lot of texting back and forth with updates to and from Garmin Response and the SAR commander. I requested a helicopter as the SAR team conveyed they would have trouble getting to where we were with a snow buggy. Then the wait started.

We had dug the rider out at 3 p.m. and by 4:30 p.m., it was getting dark and cold as a storm moved in. Our hopes faded as the Garmin Response team conveyed that helicopters made two attempts from two different locations, but the weather was too bad for a flight.

The SAR commander updated me that they were still coming to our location, so I communicated that a rescue sled buggy would not make it to our location, and we would instead get the victim out and meet them. Securing the victim to another rider on the same snowmobile was tricky, and we had to work hard to avoid getting that snowmobile stuck.

By the time we were past a bad spot on the mountain, it was dark and the avalanche victim conveyed “Just keep going and get me out.”

The SAR team had our location updated continuously from the inReach device, and eventually they caught up to us. They assisted in making a packed trail to the warming hut where an emergency snow buggy and other members of the team had a fire going and were ready for our arrival.

After a medical assessment, the decision was made to carefully secure and transport the injured individual to the waiting snow buggy and then take the 15-mile ride down a groomed trail to the trailhead where an ambulance was waiting.

Severe bruising from the mid torso and down both legs was discovered at the emergency room, and they said that the decision to get the victim out as soon as possible was a good move.

In retrospect there were a few key things that led to this amazing outcome:

1. Having the inReach device. Given medical attention was paramount, it would have been a much more dire situation without it.
2. Pairing the inReach device to the phone made conversation between all dispatchers stress-free.
3. Having the SAR team know our every move via inReach location sharing.

All members of our party now have an inReach device, and we’re so grateful for individuals who volunteer for SAR and work for ambulance services. We commend the helicopter pilot’s decision not to fly in weather that was not safe for everyone, and the Garmin Response team for keeping my family aware of the situation.

¹Active subscription required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit satellite communication devices; it is the user’s responsibility to know and follow all applicable laws.

The post inReach SOS: Snowmobiler caught in an avalanche appeared first on Garmin Blog.

Whether you have a saltwater cruiser, center console fishing boat or sailing yacht, there’s a Garmin marine autopilot system for you. Here’s a breakdown of autopilots that Garmin offers.

What do Reactor autopilot systems offer?

No matter the vessel you have, every Reactor 40 autopilot is easy to calibrate and set up. Plus, they offer a lineup of essential features to help ensure smooth sailing.

With its built-in, solid-state 9-axis attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), your marine autopilot system will gather precise orientation and course guidance, while also conserving power. So when you’re pitching and rolling, your autopilot will be able to help react to varying water conditions and help stay the course.

Pair your Garmin chartplotter or GHC 50 autopilot instrument for advanced control at the helm. You have the option to add additional Garmin devices, such as a Reactor autopilot remote or a quatix® smartwatch, for wireless control from any spot on your vessel.

All our autopilot systems include additional powerboat and sailing features when connected to a compatible Garmin chartplotter. These features include heading hold and step turns as well as wind hold and tack/jibe (for sailing only) when paired with a wind sensor. For route planning, use our Auto Guidance+ technology¹.  

 For sailboats or powerboats

Reactor 40 hydraulic: You own a high-performance powerboat or sailboat that has a hydraulic steering system and want a premium autopilot. If that’s the case, then let this Reactor 40 corepack be your companion.

Among standard Garmin autopilot features, the Reactor 40 hydraulic system has Shadow Drive technology so you can take control by disengaging the autopilot when you turn your wheel. 

The Reactor 40 hydraulic corepack is compatible with other pumps in various sizes, including 1.2-liter and 2-liter, suited for smaller vessels with a hydraulic steering system.

Reactor 40 steer-by-wire standard corepack: Perfect for large center console vessels or yachts, this system is designed for boats with steer-by-wire steering, including SeaStar Optimus systems, YANMAR Marine ZT370 sterndrive electronic power steering systems and ZF 2800 pod drives. If you have a Viking yacht or a yacht with a Yamaha® Helm Master® system or Volvo Penta® inboard performance system, we have a pack for that too.

Reactor 40 mechanical/retrofit/solenoid corepack: Built for large vessels or sailboats with mechanical steering systems, this autopilot corepack supports heading hold, wind hold, step turns and tack/jibe modes.

Depending on the size and operational functions of your sailboat, choose between Class A, Class B compact or Class B drive units. To prevent rudder stops while sailing and receive rudder feedback position information, add the GRF 10 rudder feedback sensor. 

For small motorboats

Compact Reactor 40: Small boats need autopilot systems too. Feature-heavy like bigger autopilot systems, the compact reactor 40 helps ensure excellent navigation on single-engine outboard boats less than 25’. You’ll also have the option of disengaging your autopilot with Shadow Drive technology.

Reactor 40 kicker autopilot: If you have a boat with a small gasoline outboard motor with up to 25 horsepower, this kicker autopilot is built for your vessel. With an easy-to-read handheld remote for user control, control throttle settings when you’re changing speeds or coming up on fish and moorings.

Take boating to the next level and let Garmin lend you an extra hand. Find your companion by exploring our lineup of autopilot systems or checking out the Garmin autopilot guide to find the right set up for your boat.

_{¹Auto Guidance is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations}

The post What autopilot system to choose for your boat appeared first on Garmin Blog.

You’re focused on improving your health and fitness. You want a Garmin smartwatch that can track your journey.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for a watch to monitor your health metrics and a variety of workouts. Maybe you’ve already been considering the Garmin Venu® 3 smartwatch, but now you’re wondering if the advanced health and fitness features on Venu 4 are worth it.

Both deliver Garmin health and wellness monitoring¹, smart features and dozens of built-in activity profiles that you rely on. You’ll still have music storage as well as a built-in speaker and microphone to make and take calls from the watch and even respond to text messages when your watch is paired with your smartphone.

But which wellness smartwatch is best for your needs? We’ll help you figure that out by breaking down four key upgrades in the design, health and fitness offerings, and accessibility features.

Let’s get into it.

Updated and stylish design adds an LED flashlight

Garmin smartwatches are known for their durable build. Venu 3 and Venu 4 offer a Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 lens and a 5 ATM water rating, meaning they’re suitable for splashes, rain or snow, showering, swimming and snorkeling. Both also offer AMOLED displays and two size options.

• Better: Venu 3 features a fiber-reinforced polymer case and stainless-steel bezel.
• Best: Venu 4 delivers a sophisticated metal design as well as a built-in LED flashlight on both sizes — the feature you never knew you needed.

Advanced health features right on the watch

Both Garmin smartwatches offer a full lineup of 24/7 health and wellness features, but Venu 4 adds even more capability.

• Better: Venu 3 provides wrist-based heart rate, Body Battery energy monitoring, Garmin sleep coach, heart rate variability (HRV) status, stress tracking, women’s health tracking¹ and more.
• Best: In addition to the health features available on Venu 3, Venu 4 adds health status, lifestyle logging and sleep alignment directly on your watch to help you track your health trends and lifestyle changes.

Offering a glimpse into your overall health and wellness, the health status feature will assess your heart rate, HRV, respiration, skin temperature and Pulse Ox² and let you know if your averages are within your typical range.

With lifestyle logging, you can log custom or preset behaviors — such as late caffeine or alcohol consumption — and view reports on how those choices affect your sleep, stress and HRV in the Garmin Connect app.

You’ll get even more personalized sleep guidance with Venu 4, including sleep alignment — which shows how aligned your body is to its inner sleep cycle using circadian rhythm. Plus, sleep consistency provides a look at your average bedtime over the past 7 days.

Advanced performance features to track your fitness

Both smartwatches offer a plethora of built-in sports apps to help you track the way you move, but Venu 4 builds on Venu 3’s existing training features.

• Better: With Venu 3, you can follow preloaded animated workouts for strength, high intensity interval training (HIIT), Pilates, yoga and more right from the watch — or create your own step-by-step workout in the Garmin Connect app. Venu 3 is also compatible with free Garmin Coach running plans from three experienced coaches who can serve as your on-demand running guide.
• Best: In addition to daily suggested workouts for different fitness activities and even a mixed session activity profile to track multiple activities, Venu 4 adds advanced performance features such as heat and altitude acclimation, training load and training effect – plus premium running features such as lactate threshold, PacePro pacing strategies, hill score and race predictor. And this smartwatch is compatible with Garmin Coach training plans for running, cycling, strength and fitness. Some smart training plans adapt based on your recovery and performance metrics so you can improve your fitness, train for an event or reach a personal milestone. Garmin Fitness Coach provides personalized heart rate and duration-based workouts for more than 25 fitness activities.

New audible and visual accessibility features

While Venu 3 and Venu 4 are both purpose-built for wheelchair users, Venu 4 adds new accessibility features.

• Better: Venu 3 offers wheelchair mode, so you can track daily pushes and receive weight shift alerts, as well as wheelchair-specific sports apps and workouts.
• Best: With Venu 4, you’ll have access to a spoken watch face so you can hear time of day, health data and more spoken directly from the watch. You can also get alerts at the top of every hour. Users with color blindness can choose different color display options, including gray scale, red/green, green/red or blue/yellow.

Which should you choose?

It all comes down to what you need in a watch.

If you’re looking for essential wellness and fitness features, consider Venu 3.

But if you need advanced fitness and wellness features to take your understanding of your health to the next level, new accessibility options and a built-in LED flashlight, Venu 4 might be right for you. Start your journey to a healthier lifestyle today with Venu 4.

¹_{See Garmin.com/ataccuracy}

²_{This is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition; see Garmin.com/ataccuracy. Pulse Ox not available in all countries.}

The post The difference between Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 4 appeared first on Garmin Blog.

If you’re a mariner looking for equipment to inspire confidence on the water, look no further. Made for captains and passengers, the Garmin OnBoard system is for marine enthusiasts looking for added awareness and man overboard alerts while enjoying their aquatic adventure.

Why choose the Garmin OnBoard system?

To boat with peace of mind, confidence in getting your crew from point A to point B is key. The Garmin OnBoard system can help you focus on the adventure ahead instead of worrying about the journey to your destination.

The Garmin OnBoard system is a simple, topside solution for captain and passenger peace of mind. Instead of traditional tethered cords, this system comes with MOB tags that can be worn on the wrist or on a carabiner by both the captain and the passengers, helping to enhance boater awareness while on the water.  

Boating with added awareness using MOB tags

The MOB tags can be designated as either the passenger or captain on your compatible chartplotter to trigger the appropriate action if someone were to fall overboard.

When the tag loses connection with the vessel, both captain and passenger tags will prompt an audible alarm on compatible GPSMAP® or ECHOMAP chartplotters and the hub. Plus, a waypoint will be marked at the location the tag was last on the vessel. If the tag designated as “captain” falls overboard, engine power will be cutoff to avoid a ghost boat.

If you have a larger group aboard, no worries —  up to 8 tags can be paired to the system. And if those on board choose to enjoy the water or venture out on excursions, the tags can be disabled temporarily.

Rely on long-lasting battery performance throughout boating season. Each tag exceeds a single season of operation for extended captain and passenger protection.

Boat confidently and tag what matters. Learn more about boating best practices from Garmin by checking out our blog.

The post How Garmin OnBoard can help you boat with peace of mind appeared first on Garmin Blog.