[Paddlewise] swim support roles

One thing that occurred to me as I read descriptions of incidents involving 
powerboaters in NYC and Chesapeake Bay swim events, is that perhaps these 
boaters view their role as "rescue" instead of "support."  So if they are 
there to "rescue" perhaps they are bringing to bear an entirely different set 
of expectations and goals than those who are there to "support" the swimmers.

If you are a "supporter" then you would derive great satisfaction from seeing 
swimmers complete an event, particularly after a struggle or against tough 
odds.  If you are a "rescuer" then you might feel the need to pull someone 
out of the water so that you can say you did your job.

I don't know anything about how powerboaters vs. kayakers are briefed in 
preparation for these swims, so maybe this observation is way off base.  

Craig Hicks
Arlington, Virginia   
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