Re: [Paddlewise] Fatalites and PFDs

Thanks to Dana for clarifying this issue. That post is 100% accurate
to the best of my knowledge.

- Julio

> 
> Multiple causation is easily demonstrable for most if not all accidents.
> The multiple contributing causes for this specific accident have been
> discussed elsewhere.  A statement that the lack of a PFD is *THE* cause of
> this or any kayaking accident is clearly and logically false.  However, the
> failure to properly wear a PFD is clearly a contributing factor to this and
> most boating fatalities.  Safety measures, PFDs, flares, paddling skills, or
> whatever, are not garantees of everlasting life, they are simply risk
> reduction tools that increase the probability of a desireable outcome or
> decrease the unwanted effects of boating accidents. Whether or not the use
> of a PFD would have saved the kayaker in question can never be known.  We
> could, of course, construct experiments to test whether various risk
> reduction tools are cost effective.  IMHO such discussions are best
> conducted as hypothetical conversation over cold beer, fine wine or single
> malt scotch.  
> 
> Dana Dickson 

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