Re: [Paddlewise] Mutual Assistance

I'm not sure about the hypothetical examples Dave poses but I can
imagine  instances where kayakers might be helpful in an
emergency.  
Though we lack power and speed we are often more
self-sufficient.  In circumstances where other boaters must
abandon their craft for shore the nearest kayaker may be the best
prepared to offer immediate assistance. Most of us can start a
fire, prepare a hot drink, offer a warm dry sweater, and fire a
flare and or a smoke bomb, from equipment we keep readily at
hand, often in our PFDs.  Most of us know a modicum of first aid
and carry full first aid kits, often with crucial prescription
pharmaceuticals.   And our small radios may become the only
operable equipment.  This past summer we were impressed with the
skilled seamanship of the fishermen and women with whom we hired
rides on the BC coast.  But we were also impressed with their
relative naiveté regarding even the basics of wilderness
survival, terrestrial navigation, non electronic signaling, and
clothing and equipment selection.  When their power went out it
*was* an emergency for they were ill prepared to camp on the
beach.

Kayakers may also be able to contribute coordination efforts; add
a pair of eyes to watch a drifting boat or boater and relay
information, even if we can't lend immediate, direct assistance. 
We can also hear things better than other boaters, be they cries
for help, surf in the fog, or an oncoming power craft.  

The question is perhaps to ask, "What *can* we do?" rather than
emphasize our weaknesses.  Each paddler has different talents and
skills.  Develop these, share them with others, and be prepared
to use them to best affect at tthe right times.  We can make a
difference.  

Rich   

Dave Kruger wrote:
> 
> A few days ago, as part of a discussion on use of EPIRBS and VHF radios,
> Richard Mitchell wrote:
> 
> > [snip] The discussion thus far has been about high
> > and higher tech solutions to emergency assistance.  But what else
> > can we do?  How can the community of boaters support each other
> > without delegation to some hi-tech government agency?  For
> > centuries mariners lent each other assistance in times of
> > difficulty.   Can we not continue to do so now?  Smoke and flares
> > and VHF are a potent combination if we all do our parts.  There
> > is a middle ground between "rugged" individualism go it alone,
> > and total technological dependence.  This discussion forum is one
> > example -- we share useful and timely information and cooperate
> > in solving mutual puzzles and problems.  Can we not do the the
> > same in paddling emergencies?  Where do kayakers fit in the
> > long-standing tradition of mutual assistance from mariners?  Are
> > we merely a potential nuisance, trouble about to happen, or can
> > we add to the collective support net?  What do we think?
> 
> I've been waiting for someone to respond.  No one has.  Perhaps Rich has
> raised an issue which makes us uncomfortable.
> 
> Are we such weenie, small craft with such limited capabilities that we are
> only fit to be "rescued" and not part of the web of mariners who might
> assist those in distress?
> 
> Is that why responders to the "do I leave my VHF on to monitor 16" question
> are running about 2:1 in the "no" direction?
> 
> I suspect none of us would abandon another kayaker who needed our help
> (unless to do so would be obviously hopeless, and only severely endanger
> ourselves).  Part of that obligation is to do whatever is reasonable and
> practical to assist others on the water.
> 
> I'd really like to know how others feel about this.  Maybe some scenarios
> will get the juices folowing out there in the collective Paddlewise craw.
> 
> 1. Suppose you were paddling along on a nice sunny day, minding your own
> business, and a jetskier slashed by you at 40 knots, did a donut in front
> of you, and fell off, clonking her head hard enough to render herself
> unconscious. What would your response be?  Would you ignore her and keep on
> trucking?
> 
> 2. Or, how about this:  kinda sloppy day, and there's an open skiff off
> about a half mile, dead in the water, with a guy standing up, waving his
> shirt wildly.  Not your problem?  You're incapable of towing his craft, so
> you head on to the latte bar?
> 
> 3. And, the sublime:  large powercraft, obviously driven by a drunken bozo,
> runs aground on a sandbar, tossing party-people around, a quarter mile to
> your left.  The bozo establishes an anchor to his stern and begins to winch
> himself off.  It looks like he will be successful.  Do you let him go, to
> wend his drunken ways onward?  Or, do you slide to his side, Antabuse in
> hand, and radio the Marine Patrol slyly as you slink away?
> 
> Serve.
> 
> Volley?
> 
> --
> Dave Kruger
> Astoria, OR

-- 
Richard G. Mitchell, Jr.
Department of Sociology
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
U.S.A.
(541) 752-1323 phone/fax
mitchelr_at_ucs.orst.edu
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