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That last situation made me realize that I'd not use the "I'm OK" tracking feature to let my wife and kid follow along at home. I think the possibility for causing them undo worry is greater than any benefit they would get out of knowing I was alive but hurt or sick or something let alone having fun w/o them.

I think that makes sense especially when whoever your hoping to reassure has never been on a outdoor trip. Getting a message that "may" mean trouble or not, would be enough to cause undue panic in a lot of people.
I could see sending to someone who knows the score and them relaying to the uninitiated IF the situation got worse.
But that's a judgement call for everyone to make as only they know( hopefully) how loved ones will react.