Re: [Paddlewise] Nearly Fatal

>From the information in the original post, I don't think TheWetOne was
negligent.  One first has to KNOW what is the right behaviour/action. AND
then not do or perform that action/duty.  Yes, TheWetOne was wrong but he
did the wrong thing out of ignorance.

The dealer on the other hand is another story.

A boat with positive floatation is a good thing.  The ListConsensus seems
to be that if one has a boat without bulkheads then one needs floation
bags.  Not so much as to keep a swamped boat floating but to displace water
and make it easier to recover from a mishap.  Less water in the boat means
less water to empty.

He did not have float bags on a boat that lacked bulkheads.

He apparently did not have a pump or scoop to remove the water.

He did not have proper clothing for the conditions.

He did not have a change of clothes IF he got wet.

He did not understand the limitations of his craft.

He did not understand the effects of cold air/water.

He did not understand the effects of the wind.

....

We will never really know what went on between TheWetOne and TheStore.  But
TheStore SHOULD have informed him of all of the above.  TheStore would have
made money selling TheWetOne the equipment.  TheStore is the first and
often ONLY link between a customer and the paddle sports.  Safety really
HAS to start with TheStore.  Are they totally responsible for a person.
No.  But most people getting into paddling just are not going to know all
they need to know.

The conversation between Debbie and TheDealer was disturbing to me.
TheDealer seems to have his head in the sand.  How hard is it for TheDealer
and better yet the industry to create a list of links and books on paddling
safety?  How hard is it to pass out information listing warnings about cold
water, wind, tide, etc?  Not.  TheDealer is just told that one of HIS
customers almost died and when offered FREE documentation to help prevent
another accident what is HIS response?  No.  Not a good answer.  When I
bought my kayak 3 years ago I was struck but the lack information from the
manufactuer on even HOW to maintain their product.  The warning lable is a
joke.  There was even less information in my canoe I bought eight years
ago.

I think the Industry, both the manufactuers and the dealers could/should
very easily create a common safety guideline, that could not and should not
be all incomposing, but it easily could cover the basics and recommend
other places to get information/training.

"You can lead a horse to water but you can't make 'em drink"

The problem is that the industry, at the point of sale, is not even leading
the way for people to learn about boating safety.  This is not to say that
some dealers don't provide this kind of information.  I'm sure they do.  I
know of one in my area.  But I don't see the industry doing anything to
promote safety at the point of sale OR thereafter.

Look at the accident reports that we have.  A good number of them were
caused by people being ignorant of paddling safety issues.

Now, I don't think that a simple guideline is going to prevent all
accidents.  It won't.  People wont read the guidelines.  Or they won't
follow up and continue their education.  Or they will forgot.  Fine.  BUT,
at least TheIndustry gave the customer a helping hand in the right
direction.  TheIndustry at least took them to the water....

The reality about boating safety, as well as other kinds of physical safety
issues, is that it is an ongoing process that can never stop.  One of the
benefits of this list is that by just simply trying to follow the list,
SOME safety tips have to sink into your head by simple osmosis if nothing
else.  But how do others find the list and other similar sources?  By word
of mouth.  TheIndustry could so easily change that situation.

Debbie, don't beat yourself up too much on all this.  You did what you
thought was right based on the information you had at the time.  No one got
hurt and since you shared the experience with the list new
paddlers/rescuers are more informed.

My two cents....
Dan McCarty






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