[Paddlewise] Numbers Crunching

The apparent statistic that deaths with and without PFD's are fairly equal, 
even when considering only sea kayaking, not whitewater, looks like a case 
of "risk homeostasis" at work.

Paddlers without PFD's, because they "don't go far from shore", get into 
just as much trouble as paddlers with more skills, more equipment, but who 
engage in more dangerous pursuits, like surfing, paddling in rock gardens, 
cold water, etc.  If the experienced, equipped paddlers stayed in the "rec 
boat zone", they would probably show a much reduced mortality rate.

But that wouldn't be any fun, would it?

Rob.

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