Re: [Paddlewise] Wet Suits in Groups with Mixed Skill Levels

Joyce Family wrote:
> 
> I would appreciate some thoughts on the following situation (long-range
> planning for 2005).  A group of paddlers, some novices, some experienced, will
> do a multi-day cold water trip.  At all times the paddlers will be in a large
> group, relatively close to shore, and in fairly protected waters.

I'd like to answer with a summary of the argument I put up for my club,
considering safety.

When you take a look at the safety-philosofy in oil refineries, nuclear
plants, mountain climbers and cars, you'll notice that safety consists
of primary safety and backups, sometimes layer upon layer of backups.
Take driving a car for instance:

- Your car gets regular checkups, making sure steering, brakes, lights
and tires are in good shape. You are expected to have a drivers license
and abide traffic rules, so that accidents become highly unlikely.
However, if you DO get an accident:
- Seatbelts, airbags and cardesign will minimize the risk of physical
trauma. However, if you DO suffer injuries:
- A team of trained professionals (police, ambulance, fire department,
hospitals) will be standing by to prevent a fatality.

In this description a car has three levels of safety. In fact, it has
more. You have to drop through all levels to suffer a fatal accident. In
oil refineries and nuclear plants you'll find many more levels, in some
high-risk sports less.

Now, how many levels will your trip have? If somebody tips over, can he
be rescued? If the rescue fails, does the victim have a chance to make
it to shore? If not, will external help be available? If not...

I will not answer these questions for you. I will not tell you how many
levels of safety you need: That's up to you and your group. I don't know
if you're a suicide squadron or a group of people with partners and
children, who you owe responsibility. 

Make sure you know the risks. Know the risks, signs and treatment of
hypothermia. Don't think paddling in a group makes you safe: It only
makes you safe if your fellows know what to do in an emergency. Note
that, unlike in a car accident where the rescue team does not expect any
cooperation from your side, in a paddling rescue the victim is supposed
to take an active part in a rescue.

Have a good trip,

Niels.
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************