[Paddlewise] Rescues and safety

It strikes me as a bit odd that people are so quick to assume that caution
equates inaction, that measured or pragmatic approach to problem solving
is, by default a form of inaction. One could as well suggest that all those who discuss
hull design, cockpit modification, deck line lay-out, skeg vs. rudder, etc.
are really using these discussions as a way to avoid going out on the
water to actually paddle.

My initial response to Scott was piqued by the opening lines of his letter
that stated, "While you folks all sat around and analyzed the situation, I think I would
probably just paddle up to the person and offer up my boat."
The implication here is that "we" would all be sitting around engaging in paralysis by analysis,
forgetting that someone actually needed help. If you have some other sort of read on that, fine. I don't.

I don't remember anyone loading up the original discussion with a lot of talk
about bomb-proof rolls, Must Wear A PFD At All Times, or the 'required' burdening of a boat
with redundant rescue gear.  That's not my 'stuff' so don't ask me to 'own it'.
Neither am I someone who would stand around and engage in avoidance behavior
because I was too afraid or too cautious to respond to someone whose life was threatened.
My original response was flawed because it carried an unnecessary tone and attitude:
"offer his life", etc.   I didn't intend for this to sound as snide as it appears. Still, that does
belong to me and I do own that.

Lists are democratic forums. I don't take umbrage, nor do I bristle at Scott's original post.
Nor with the subsequent opinions expressed by others.  To do so would be to make 'me'
the issue. I'm not. Neither is Scott. I mostly lurk here and participate on the rare occasion when I think I have something to offer.
In the future, I'll practice my own advice and size up the water more thoroughly before wading in.

-Will

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