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From: <Socntysurf_at_aol.com>
subject: [Paddlewise] PFD's, Helmets, Flack Jackets
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 17:57:28 EDT
Hi Everyone!

The world seems have always been composed of a mixed bag. Some are known as 
followers, individuals, adventurers, trend setters, x-men, ... the list is 
long!

Respect is on a sliding scale. To litigate laws to control personal safety is 
interesting. Should there be a helmet law? Should PFD's be required on all 
moving vessels for kids 12 and under? What about drunk adults who cannot 
swim... shouldn't there be a law requiring them to wear a PFD at all times 
while on the water? Rock climbers, skydivers, scuba divers, pilots, elderly 
drivers with diminishing senses... many with unrealistic understandings of 
personal abilities and limitations... should there be certifying protocol 
limiting their participation? If so, who should police them?

Not all exercise the same degree of resonability. Some people are risk 
takers, some are risk averters, some have death wises and other are only 
comfortable living in a bubble.

Respect for the physical laws- force, matter, gases is reflected in the way 
we study, train and outfit our gear. It is also reflective in the way we 
share and teach. Factoring is a sumation of many universal and personal 
variables.

The world is not meant to be perfectly safe, equally intelligent, universally 
resonable... Insurance companies probably force many operators to protect 
themselves and design risk management into offered activities. Skin diving 
with PFDs? geez, I thought glass bottom boats was queer.

Let's strive to continue a spirited way! Be respectful, study, practice, buy 
smart stuff, set proper examples and teach. Everything is an opportunity to 
learn and to teach. Let's strive to remain dynamic, police ourselves and 
maximize every opportunity.

Just my pov.

-sf
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From: Steve Dent <fics_peteacher_at_hotmail.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] PFD's, Helmets, Flack Jackets
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2003 09:16:10 -0400
As a teacher of Physical Education and outdoor Pursuits I feel compelled to 
respond to this mail...

No we cannot legislate for all, but surely we should teach all.  I am 
responsible for setting the standards in safety for the entire Senior School 
population of this country when it comes to back country travel and 
sea/water work.  I ensure that the safety requirements are drummed into them 
so that when the time comes for them to go out alone the safety response is 
automatic.

Maybe that is what you are trying to say as well...I just felt the need to 
say my bit...

Steve Dent
Falkland Islands

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