RE: [Paddlewise] Nearly Fatal

Hi Shawn and All,

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Shawn W. Baker [mailto:baker_at_montana.com]

> Rob Cookson wrote:
> > I think you are missing my point.
>
> You're right.  We don't know what was actually said between TheWetOne
> and TheStore.  I am probably wrong in using a term like Gross
> Negligence.  That's a legal term, and I don't want to suggest that
> TheStore has a legal responsibility to promote safety; I do feel
> strongly that TheStore has a moral responsibility (as do we all, as
> paddlers) to promote safety.  I didn't mean to suggest that the dealer
> should be dealt with--I am trying to say that the store (and all stores)
> should be advocates for and sources of safety and information.

<Liberal snippage throughout post>

There you go! now you are not missing my point at all! ;>)  Actually I think
it was Ralph who used the term gross negligence and suggested that some
action may be needed.  I think that we are pretty much in agreement here.




>
> > How do you know that the dealer didn't try?  We have not heard from the
> > salesperson at all.  Again you are leaping to conclusions
> without any real
> > evidence.  I have seen this time and time again with rec boats where a
> > salesperson says that the new paddler needs a pump and a
> paddlefloat etc etc
> > and the customer says no thanks I'm just fishing near shore.
> What do you
> > propose?  Would you make all safety gear mandatory?  Should all
> kayaks be
> > required by law to ship with sp****n's?  How about a vhf and a
> cell phone?
> > Those are clearly valuable rescue tools should all dealers be
> required to
> > sell those too?
>
> That's such a sticky situation.  I'm opposed to legislation, but I
> strongly believe that everyone should have sufficient safety gear.   I
> have to admit that I don't have the right answers.

In my mind the answer is easy.  Personal choice.  Let people choose the
amount of gear that it takes to make them feel comfortable.  Life is about
acceptable risk and loss.  It is not up to me to decide what conditions or
equipment you should paddle in or with.



> Then, the dealer
> tells the next potential buyer who has greenbacks burning a hole in
> their pocket for a bright, shiny kayak, "One guy almost died because he
> didn't have positive flotation, a paddlefloat, and a pump.  Oh yeah, and
> a sprayskirt."

This is a terrible sales tactic.  I always used to tell people how important
these pieces of gear are and that in my mind no boater should be without
them. But when you start mentioning to people that you know someone who
almost died because of the absence of this or that it starts to sound like
strong-arming or snake oil.  Besides just to be controversial  I'll argue
that the problem with this particular scenario was not related to equipment
but rather it was a big error in judgment.  What this guy was missing was
not gear or warnings from dealers it was common sense.


>
> Which is another sticky situation.  The dealer doesn't want to lose the
> sale (she's gotta put food on the table and pay her rent and mortgage)
> but she also doesn't want to see someone get hurt.

That's right.  If one dealer won't sell the gear the next one will.  Maybe
if I have time in the next week or so I'll tell you the tale of the not so
famous Dying Corsican Brothers.


> So we should shoot the foolish people before they have the opportunity
> to pass on bad information! </tongue in cheek>

I'm not gonna touch that one. ;o)


>
> I think dealers, manufacturers, and fellow paddlers all have a
> responsibility for the safety of new paddlers.

I think all of the above can play a great roll in education but I think you
are still missing one key link.

The new paddler himself.

I think most people are smart enough to understand that water can be
dangerous.  I think most people are also smart enough to realize that people
sometimes drown in boating accidents.  I think that a reasonable person will
then seek information on safety.  I think an unreasonable person may fall in
a river and maybe have the good fortune of being assisted by someone with
better skills and judgment.  An unreasonable person will then claim that
someone should have told them that taking a kayak out in strong winds in new
england the first week in march is a bad idea.

<lots more snippage>


> So what is an Internet-impaired newbie kayaker to do for guidance if the
> store can't provide information?

There is a ton of information available.  I have yet to be in an outfitters
store where books and videos were not sold.  Most retailers are also
offering instruction as well.  Heck canoe and kayak Mag as well as Sea
Kayaker are on many news stands.  The country is full of clubs.  If the new
paddler takes some initiative they will find plenty of resources.


Cheers,
--
Rob Cookson
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety"
Benjamin Franklin

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