Re: [Paddlewise] Safety in Recreational Kayaks

From: ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2002 19:32:39 -0400
----- Original Message -----
From: "Niels Blaauw" <niels.blaauw_at_wanadoo.nl>

> I think you should be clear on your reasons, because you will be asked
> for them. If I force someone to wear a PFD (and I do!) he will ask
> "Why?". My answer is: "You will ruin my day if you drown, so if you want
> to drown, do it somewhere else."

Many years ago, I wrote a white paper on the subject of wearing PFDs for a
local club in which a board of directors battle was going over mandating
wearing a PFD on club trips.  The white paper was pro the requirement.  I
interviewed a number of people outside NYC on this including Charlie
Walbridge, the Whitewater Safety guy who was speaking, I believe, on behalf
of the Philadelphia Canoe Club.  He said something like "I make 'em wear
them in case the x*&% -ards have lied about their skills; at least I know
their sorry asses will float!"

ralph

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Received on Fri Apr 19 2002 - 16:31:30 PDT

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