[Paddlewise] Pattern repeats

Fatalities 2001-2002,

The pattern continues to define itself.  Those who die in the 
cold-water paddling season are generally outside the "paddling 
community". They are beyond the reach of clubs, paddling magazines, 
and the many sites on-line that so diligently provide readers with 
good advice.

Coast Guard Aux., Power Squadron, Fish and Game boating courses do 
not instill in their students a serious respect for the water in 
which they may find themselves. The language used to describe odds 
for survival permit students to believe "THEY", unlike "OTHERS", will 
survive because they will certainly be among the percentage that will 
make it.

As long as the message to the general public is to dress in layers of 
wool and polypro (dead weight and little thermal protection in the 
water), and to "HUDDLE" until help (magically) arrives, we will 
continue to see these cases in an un-ending stream.

Frustrating, therefore, when the USCG and other marine patrols then 
say, upon hauling out another victim, "WHY DON"T YOU PEOPLE WEAR 
PFDs?"

We paddlers take the heat for the stupidity (ignorance, not 
stupidity) of the masses of the uneducated that were never given the 
message.

Thanks,
Chuck Sutherland
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