RE: [Paddlewise] Paid rescues?

Hi Wes and All,

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net
> [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net]On Behalf Of Wes Boyd
> Sent: Friday, September 29, 2000 9:02 PM
>
> One of the things that caught my attention is Ford's rescue proposal. He's
> concerned, nay, incensed, at "adventurers" that take off on various
> harebrained expeditions with inadequate preparation -- and this includes
> novice kayakers that get in over their heads. Simply stated, his proposal
> is that if someone calls for a rescue, via radio, flares, ERPIB, or
> whatever other means, their kayak is impounded once they've been returned
> to land until they pay a $2000 rescue fee. If not paid, the kayak and gear
> siezed is auctioned off to pay the fee. If someone else calls in the
> authorities, like a bystander seeing someone "in trouble", the charge
> doesn't apply.
> *********

I like the idea.  Too many paddlers are playing fast and loose and getting
in over their heads, others seem to think the CG is a Water Taxi.  $2000.00
is cheap, I would consider that a real bargain for having my butt pulled out
of the drink.  I am totally opposed to any kind of mandatory licensing or
certification of paddlers; I think folks should be free to do as they
please, but that freedom doesn't exempt them from responsibility for their
actions.  If you want to do a long exposed solo crossing go for it, just
don't expect me to pay for your mistakes.

Cheers,

Rob Cookson

 "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety"
Benjamin Franklin


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************