IT could be a tragic summer ahead for Aussie boat owners, hikers and adventurers as the satellite frequency for life-saving safety beacons changes on February 1.

Local owners of EPIRB safety beacons will have to buy another model set to the new frequency as theirs will become obsolete ? but it will come at a cost, up to $1000 for top models ? and authorities fear this may have disastrous consequences.

For the past 26 years skippers going to sea around the Australian coastline, and trekkers, have been using EPIRB 121.5s, so named because they transmit emergency signals on a frequency of 121.5 megaherz when activated.

The beacons are estimated to have saved 20,000 lives around the world since 1982.

However overseas authorities are planning to cut the satellite receiver that picks up the distress signals.

Crowdy Harrington Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol this week reminded local skippers that they should be updating their beacons between now and February, to avoid being caught in an emergency situation.

"It is essential that all boat owners convert to the new 406 MHz EPIRBS as soon as possible," the patrol's public relations officer Ross Windred said. "Also, we remind local owners that their old emergency beacons can be disposed of properly at Battery World locations (there is one in Crescent Avenue, Taree, and another at Tuncurry)."

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority estimates there are about 150,000 121.5 MHz distress beacons across the country that will need to be replaced with a 406 MHz beacon before February.

The NSW Water Police and representatives of the Royal Coastal Patrol have told the Sydney Morning Herald there are serious concerns for the season ahead, if EPIRB users do not heed the warnings.

The US Coast Guard, a member of the international Cospas-Sarsat satellite network which tracks and transmits emergency signals across the world is behind the move to change. It argues that the 406 frequency beacon not only more accurately transmits the location of those in distress but can also relay information about the type of vessel and passengers on board.

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