RE: [Paddlewise] Drowning prevention

Andy asked, 

> How should the responsible 
> paddlesports 
> community get the message out?

  While I can empathize with this victim's family and friends and anyone at
the site who had to endure the trauma viewing of a fellow human beings death
(it can be VERY disturbing and traumatic) I could not help but be amazed by
a number of facts as reported by Andy.

1.  The victim in question knew that he could not swim yet he went out on
the water in a small (relatively tippy) craft.

2.  The victim in question _who knew that he could not swim_ declined to
wear a PFD even when one was offered to him.

  It sounds to me like there is very little that anyone could have done to
have saved this fellow from himself.  Education only works for those who
want to learn.  Legislation isn't the answer either - you can legislate
against stupidity, but you cannot prevent it.
  I don't mean to sound harsh or judgmental, but I don't think that the
paddling community at large needs to do much more than it currently does to
promote higher degrees of safety awareness.  Perhaps focussing people on
advanced safety/rescue skills as well as Advanced First Aid or CPR classes.
I doubt whether anyone teaching kayaking or canoeing skills in the US allows
their students to not wear a PFD at all times.
  IMO - one of the best ways to help promulgate safe boating practices to
the largest possible portion of the population is to get involved with an
organization such as the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the US Power Squadron.  As
paddlers and the paddling community we comprise a pitifully small percentage
of the people who recreate on or in the water - if you're concerned about
safety education jump in the trenches and fight the battle where you can
have the largest impact.  The problem with education is that it only
benefits those who seek it.

Dave Seng
Juneau, Alaska

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