Re: [Paddlewise] New England Paddling Accidents

From: <SeaKayakNH_at_aol.com>
Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2001 12:02:42 EDT
In a message dated 6/18/01 11:36:06 AM, jhawkins_at_cisco.com writes:

<< May 28 - Robert Beauvais, 51, student at <outfitter's name snipped, they 
have suffered too much already> practicing "turning techniques" drowned 
during a class in Fairhaven Bay.  He was apparently with an instructor and 
other students, had a PFD, but drowned after capsizing. >>

    My understanding is that this poor soul suffered a heart attack during a 
lesson, proceeded to capsize and drown before the guide/instructor and a 
registered RN (who administered CPR) could get to him. This man may have died 
before he hit the water or immediately afterwards.  This doesn't appear to be 
a death caused by kayaking although it is of course kayak related.

    To the spirit of the balance of your post, kayaking or any water sport is 
only as safe as the skills and judgment of the participants dictate. Even 
then, we are guests when out on the sea and we would be well served to 
remember to treat the sea with all due respect and reverence lest we perish 
through fault of our own ignorance. Even when we do take all precautions and 
keep our skills sharp, if the sea were to decide to take us we would be 
powerless to stop it.

Jed


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Received on Mon Jun 18 2001 - 09:38:28 PDT

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