Re: [Paddlewise] Young boaters beached in Canada

Philip Wylie wrote:
> 
> Things are obviously tightening up for youngsters in Canada
> where it concerns their operation of power craft. This will
> provide obvious benefits for overall water safety for Kayakers
> at large and everyone else for that matter. However, I wonder
> just how far away legislation is where certification for Kayakers
> will one day become mandatory?

> Any opinions out there on this topic?
> 
Considering the regulating of children in powered craft, it will be a
relief where I live.  I have been buzzed and almost hit too many times
by kids, on PWC, not watching where they are going.  They spend most of
their time watching each other and not looking ahead.  There is a pair
(aged about 8 & 10) who sometimes pass my place over and over every two
minutes for hours at a time.  I live behind the shelter of an island so
the kids roar back and forth, spraying each other and making paddling in
the area very hazardous. I had a kid on a PWC pass me so close that I
could have decapitated him with my paddle held at head level, yet he
passed without even seeing me!  He was turned and yelling to a girl, on
another PWC, who was just behind and to the side of him.    Now, this
sort of activity isn't restricted to kids, but the regulations will
help.  

I do feel that parts of the government's regulations are fueled by the
possiblitity of increased revenues from fees.  If that works, they will
probably try to extend it to hand or wind powered craft. I have mixed
feelings about that.  Almost everyone that I see paddling and sailing
does so in a (usually) safe and non-intrusive manner.

John
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