In a message dated 3/6/00 12:26:55 PM !!!First Boot!!!, rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com writes: << Now this was not an on-the-water situation and the guy wasn't in danger of drowning or getting colder necessarily as he would have had you run across him on the water while he was floating around >> Not knowing all the facts. Just gathering from the description of water temp (F 44) and conditions (15-20 mph), clothing (wet, sagging cotton) and condition of victim (Quite pale, quivering voice, dripping wet). This guy was in real danger of getting colder. Ralph is right about the hierarchy for retrieval PEOPLE FIRST, GEAR SECOND The paddler is not safe until the threat of Hypothermia is removed. Get him out of the weather (15-20 mph winds) and possibly out of the cotton clothing. Then go for the boat. This situation was dangerous for everyone involved. Don't wrap lines around you. Don't paddle alone in inclement conditions (especially if you are inexperienced). Don't paddle boats without proper equipment (including footpegs, hatch covers). Do know that you are ultimately responsible to check for proper equipment and condition of equipment before using (renting, demoeing, purchasing) a boat. Like Ralph, I will say to the original poster, "Don't take this personally." There are many lessons to be learned from your post. Both as a victim and a rescuer. Your emotion was evident. That is a good thing. It is easy to see that you are passionate about kayaking. You should continue to participate in getting the safety message out. If you talk to ten and get through to two, the world's a better place. Bruce McCutcheon WEO *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Mar 06 2000 - 06:16:48 PST
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