Re: [Paddlewise] Victoria fatality and accidents in general

Kevin Dyer <k.dyer_at_bluewin.ch> said:

> What's the answer to all this? Driving licences like cars and you only get
> one after a test. Then legislation that allows sale or rental to people that
> have the said licence.
> Is anything like that under discussion in the States?

Which generated a s**t-storm!  Nice job, Kevin.  We needed to get the Geritol
in our systems moving again.  Jackie is proud of you.  (Kevin O., too.)

In answer:  naaaah, we don't need licenses.  We need education.

To wit:  outfitters in the northwest part of the US seem to demand some sort of
assurance renters are "qualified," either in the form of a card certifying the
renters have taken a basic sea kayaking course (wet exit, re-entry methods,
basic hypothermia instruction, etc.), or in the form of a *really convincing*
description of your experience.  Some will not allow the experience you allege
to suffice;  they demand you take a basic class, anyway.  Mostly CYA for
possible litigation, I expect.

We will never prevent the truly unable from endangering themselves.  The pair
in Victoria could have seen the turbulent water from their launch position.  If
they were actually alcohol-impaired (as reported), that compounds their bad
judgment.

Oh, that word, "judgment" crops up again:  licensing of the type used for
automobile drivers and the like __never__ ensures the neophyte has that.  A
couple years behind the wheel helps.

And so, for paddlers.  Each of us has stories in our background of lapses in
judgment (which we survived), the stuff from which "judgment" is carved. 
That's what keeps people on the beach when conditions exceed their ability and
conditioning.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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