Re: [Paddlewise] Paid rescues?

I seem to recall that they did something like this a few years ago in
certain parts of the Rockies w/r/t rock climbing.  I have this vague
recollection that it resulted in people having insurance against the
charges -- in fact, I seem to recall that in some areas insurance became
required.  Hrmph.  Another boon to the insurance companies.  Just what we
need. . .

Generally, I am opposed to the idea (paid rescues).  For one thing, it would
just make the sport even more expensive and inaccessible (remember our brief
excursion into issues regarding *who* is in this sport?).  I don't think the
cost to society that results from having to rescue a few people off the seas
every year is all that great, relatively speaking.  I can think of a whole
lot more important things to be worried about (like, say. . . global
warming?).  Also, I think it might tend to edge us toward delegating rescue
to private operations, which would be a bad thing, IMO (less accountability,
greater expense, less predictable quality, different attitude, less pride on
the part of the operation and its members, etc).  Moreover, the proposal as
described would probably involve more transaction costs that it would yield
in economic benefits.  In other words, it would probably cost at least
$5,000 in tax dollars to administer each impoundment, sale, etc., and would
yield a maximum benefit in each case of only $2,000.  Rough guesses, of
course.  But you get the idea.  There would probably also be constitutional
challenges to the rule, resuling in astronomical costs, utilization of
judicial resources, etc.  What was that Jefferson said about the government
that governs least. . .

I kinda like the Coasties just the way they are.  I wonder what they think
of this question. . .

Mark


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