Re: [Paddlewise] Re How would you deal with the following situation

> From: David Seales <aieae_at_ntplx.com>

> I can't believe some of the responses to this thread. From people who train 
> themselves to handle a water emergency, who roll their boats upside down 
> for fun, who you would assume are at home in the water and prepared for it 
> by wearing a PFD and proper clothing. I would not hesitate...I would get 

Rather judgemental, wouldn't you say?  Since no one, not even Ralph who
describes the event, was present, then we all interpret the event in our
own way compared to our own experiences with our own visual imagery. 

Ralph described conditions that were choppy due to being shallow.  My first
experiences with sea kayaking came from the Texas gulf coast where the
water is shallow compared to the west coast and big chop could happen fast
and be pretty intimidating.  I think those that wrote that you have no idea 
what you will do for sure until face-to-face with the situation are right on
target.  The two fellows that panicked and took off and left me behind 
when severe weather conditions suddenly exploded also never thought they 
would leave an individual in distress behind.  I was lucky.  I made it.

So, I'd say you should come down from that high horse and remember that
folks react to situations in different ways... what's best for themselves 
and the situation being discussed here is pretty much left to the imagination
since none of us were actual witnesses to the event.

I don't have a problem with people making the wise decision to not cause
more casualties by putting themeslves at risk, possibly creating additional 
victims meaning more risk to rescue personnel.

Jackie
 
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