Re: [Paddlewise] Summoning the USCG (Boat Vis: USCG Answers)

I found it interesting that this fellow from the USCG specifically
mentions a radio or cell phone.

He didn't say "Boat safe so you won't ever need to call us", or "don't
forget all your kayak-related safety equipment and skills", he said
"don't forget...a radio or cell phone".

I'm not advocating that not bringing a radio is a good idea, and I
don't want to start any kind of holy war here; I'm intrigued by their
response that says they're more expectant of dealing with the symptoms
of poor boating, rather than encouraging that the average joe out on
the water have good boating skills.

I realize that this is one person's opinion, but it could be indicative
of a general attitude in the Coast Guard.  I wonder if that's their
bias toward sea kayakers, or toward all pleasure boaters in general. 
I'm sure they're keyed toward the lowest denominator, which is probably
the area of folks they need to rescue most anyway.

I am very grateful, though, for their presence and service, but I hope
to never need to call them with a distress call.  I'm glad for the
"Paddlewise attitude" where we encourage each other to visit the sea
with good judgement and skills, rather than putting the CG on speed
dial and jumping in over our heads!!

Safe paddling,
Shawn

Marc Mandler (USCG) wrote:
>Hope this helps. Happy kayaking. Don't forget your personal flotation 
>device and a radio or cell phone.


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