Re: [Paddlewise] JFK Jr. and Risk Taking

From: Joe Pylka <pylka_at_castle.net>
Date: Mon, 19 Jul 1999 16:57:41 -0400
>Why do I say this?  They had no clue of the problems they could encounter.
>No Clue.
            Very much so.  Three years ago there was a rash of paddler
drownings in NJ.  This "invincible ignorance" was a major factor.  No pfds,
no thermal protection, running lowhead dams, etc.  None were members of any
paddling club.  Talking with friends of theirs, it was clear that for all
their paddling experience they had never learned the warning signs that we
all know, nor were they even aware that these were dangers.  Newspaper
reports all lamented the event but never said anything about prevention.  I
was able to get one letter published regarding this in one of the
newspapers' boating column, but not anything else.
        One of the local clubs put together a promotional package to be sold
with boats by one dealer with safety info, an invitation to join, and a
coupon for a free safety/rescue workshop.  No takers.  Nada.  Hence
"invincible ignorance"....

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Received on Mon Jul 19 1999 - 13:56:17 PDT

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