[Paddlewise] Missing Kayaker found washed ashore

ralph diaz said:
<snip>
>>>I know how you feel regarding giving a long string of safety advice
to
newcomers.  They look at you as if you have just told them there is no
Santa Claus.  I feel like Scrooge or the Grinch Who Stole Christmas.  (I

still vividly remember talking to some inexperienced people about having

paddled without cold water gear while I was donning mine and their
looking at me like I was some old meanie.)  Many manufacturers don't
want to hear or, better stated, don't want their potential customers to
hear it.>>>

Well the Grinch did steal a whole lot more for the unfortunate kayaker
who went missing in Georgia Strait this past weekend --  his body was
found early Monday morning washed up near Comox. He made the crossing in
the end, just not alive. It doesn't look like he was wearing much in the
way of immersion gear. He was fairly experienced, but solo kayaking can
be very dangerous in the wrong set of circumstances. I did "preach" that
message at the Paddlefest too, so as not to suggest that just having
skills and good equipment is the be-all and end-all of safety. The best
piece of safety gear can often me a competent paddling partner.

I spent a fair bit of time today with the CG and Rescue Coordination Ctr
authorities, including the RCMP and locals from the area where he lived.
The CG were very cooperative, and got back to me with a full description
of the kayaks contents, location of gear, etc. they even had someone
report back on the condition of the body and apparel worn, etc. They are
much more cooperative than a few years ago with these types of
inquirers. I'm waiting for a coroners report to verify that the accident
wasn't a heart attack or possibly some grievous act, given that the area
is notorious for pot growing and other criminal activities.

The CG always make some subjective comment, and this time it was
regarding a small incident I reported on PW a few weeks ago concerning a
local Victoria paddler who capsized off the Victoria waterfront, and
scrambled onto some rocks, where he used his VHF and flares to summon
help and coordinate location pinpointing (an often forgotten part of the
rescue strategy thinking of paddlers). Anyway, the CG fellow was tinkled
pink that the guy in that little rescue was PREPARED. So he blew it, at
least he had the ability to summon timely help. The CG hates tragedies
as much as anyone else.

BTW, I mentioned a ferry boat heeling-over in the area of the missing
kayaker incident - it was a passenger ferry only, not a big BC ferry.

Keep up the safety talks Ralph! I'm sure you convey a good balance about
the dangers and the fun too! The story about the kayaker rescuing the
swimmer in Kelowna was a positive story for once!

DL


***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************