Re: [Paddlewise] Victoria fatality and accidents in general

From: Kevin Dyer <k.dyer_at_bluewin.ch>
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 2002 16:53:56 +0200
----- Original Message -----
From: "ralph diaz" <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com

> law on using a cell phone while driving is not a nonsense rule but a
necessity.
> they are violating seat belt rules.  But if they get into an accident and
it
> can be proven that they were on the phone, then they will have the book
> thrown at them.
I agree with you on that. An interesting law in Switzerland: Any person
proposing an expedition (hike, climb, picnic) in the mountains is LIABLE for
the safety of the people in the group and is considered legally as a
mountain guide, though not a professional. It caused a lot of outcry at
first, but after a couple of high profile court cases, a lot of people
started to that little walk from the car to the top a lot more seriously.

> I think it is fine to have certification around.  Many people like the
> discipline of it and the set goals as they climb up the star ladder.
> It is elementary stuff but at least the
> paddler is exposed to the advice and warnings.  This does mean he or she
> will heed it but it may give some of the individuals pause to get the
> equipment and training they need.

The French use a card system with different coloured paddles for different
levels of experience split into WW, Sea and flatwater groups. Levels
attained are not transferred from one group to the other, so you're a red
hot sea kayaker, but you still need learn WW etc.

Kevin.

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Received on Wed Apr 17 2002 - 07:55:06 PDT

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