Accidents that occur to those who routinely place themselves into potentially 'dangerous' situations, or practice their hobby/avocation/interests in potentially 'dangerous' environments/conditions... this seems to be one segment of the 'market' for regulation that is most likely to: a) comply & embrace the plan; b) chafe at, reject and/or ignore on 'grounds'. The routinely cited 'volunteer victim' who ignores common practices, precautions and prevailing sense appears to be a different segment of this population. Regulations aimed at curtailing their exposure would likely be aimed at: a) burdening those who manufacture, sell, or lease the equipment (boats) with the 'responsibility' to warn, inform or deny use; b) releasing these same parties from legal obligation/liability for improper use and/or application of same equipment. When I mentioned the 12-19 age group as a potentially significant element, I did so not to picture these young people taking up sea kayaking en masse, but rather to note that they represent a demographic bulge capable of placing a rather large footprint on many social issues and concerns....especially as they move into adulthood. The backpacking boom of the early-to-mid 1970's brought many new people into the woods and out into the wilderness. But compared to the numbers of people now engaged in backcountry activities, such a 'boom' was merely a blip. If you travel to many 'wilderness' areas, your experience is significantly eroded by the sheer crush of numbers. Park policies change, the potential for overuse being a major cause for shifts in access 'licensing'. SAR operations are burdened in many communities, charge significant fees, or make explicit claims limiting use and liability ("You are entering a wilderness area, there is no guarantee for your safety or rescue...."). The hype of extreme sports, the 'look and feel' marketing of outdoor lifestyle products, etc. can be seen as indicators of trends. The footprints made by these trends become increasingly problematic with frequency and size. Sea Kayaking already has the reputation of being a sport that attracts large numbers of people to 'limited' areas. If you want the high likelihood of solitude, take up wilderness canoe tripping (yes, I know that these areas are also stressed and that many kayak for years in relative solitude). What contributes greatly to the 'volunteer victim' accident is quick access & minimal effort to gain maximum exposure to danger. Realistic approaches to limiting these types of problems will have to address those critical components first & foremost. If the number of these accidents approaches 'critical mass', then others will be moved to act and/or 'accept' regulatory action.. -Will *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Apr 17 2002 - 11:02:32 PDT
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