Public Safety · San Luis Obispo County
SLO County Sheriff Promotes Project Lifesaver Wristbands for At-Risk Individuals
An 86-year-old Arroyo Grande man with dementia was found safe Tuesday morning after being missing for a day, prompting the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office to highlight its Project Lifesaver program. The initiative provides lightweight radio-tracking wristbands to individuals at risk of wandering due to Alzheimer's, dementia, autism or other neurological conditions. Participants wear a one-ounce band that emits a tracking signal once per second; caregivers call 911 if the individual goes missing, and trained search-and-rescue teams respond with mobile tracking equipment. Nationwide recovery times average less than half an hour. The program serves participants aged 7 to 93 throughout San Luis Obispo County, with enrollment available by calling 805-748-6826.