[Paddlewise] Group Dynamics/Rescue

This thread on rescuing others is interesting.

It is certainly incumbent on anyone capable of rescuing a fellow paddler
to do so.  The word to emphasize here, though, is 'capable'.  The idea
one not unduly put ones own life in danger during a rescue attempt is a
basic tenant of safety.  This does not excuse someone from failing to
give assistance when and where possible, nor does it mean, of course,
that you would simply abandon such a person and just go on your merry
way.  In reality it would be most likely that you would do all within
your power and might indeed put yourself in mortal danger in order to
help a friend.  
The point, though, is that the rescuer has the option on whether or not
to rescue you and you do not want to put yourself in such a situation. 
It is often forgotten that each paddler is ultimately responsible for
his/her own safety.  Too often paddlers, in calculating their margin of
safety, depend on their paddling partners, other boaters or the
authorities to extricate them from danger.  [I'm feeling the urge to wax
philisophic.]  We live in a society where we have, in many ways, come to
feel as though we will be taken care of.  When I am teaching
leadership/followership in relation to sea-kayaking I like to stress
just how small ones world gets when things get bad.  It is self
preservation that often takes over in emergency situations and, as a
result, you might well find yourself alone, even in the midst of others.
Paddling in a group can increase your margin of safety, but it is
prudent to not depend on it.  Once again things come down to judgement
and skills.
John Winskill
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************