Re: [Paddlewise] Who picks up the rescue tab

John said:
>> As for myself, I refuse and always have refused to take cell phones,
> EPIRBs
>> or any other device for calling for rescue.
>
 For what it's worth, my radio was stashed deep in my hatch the last time I 
was out on the Columbia Bar. I agree with John, one should be able to 
extricate oneself from trouble of their own making. I do, however, normally 
like my VHF radio handy, as I'm better informed and more a part of the 
marine community when my radio is available and even turned on to listen for 
other water-users in distress, offering head-ups, etc.

There was a recent incident around Victoria shores where a group of kayakers 
came to the aid of a drownings, out-rigger rudder-man, and were able to 
perform rescue breathing after he fainted into the water with the flu.

In terms of John's core sentiments, I do partially disagree: I think there 
are maritime situations that can arise that are beyond the paddler's 
control, and the ability to summon help may be a welcome thing -- if not for 
your own peace of mind, then at least for that of your family's. And perhaps 
SAR staff's too. I mean, imagine Chris Duff breaking his boat along New 
Zealand's inhospitable shores, no radio, overdue, and the searcher's 
possibly out in rough, dangerous conditions looking...

With my rescue experience off the Storm Islands, I certainly know one 
paddler's life was probably saved due to the ability to contact the 
authorities. His only real mistake was choosing his paddling partners. He 
did not carry a radio, but probably appreciated that one was dug out of 
someone's hatch eventually when all efforts at self-extrication from the 
danger disintegrated. The Coasties were extremely happy the rescue was 
called in during the closing hours of daylight, as opposed to a night search 
and subsequent long, possibly drawn out multi-day search in an area of 
frequent storm activity. Nevertheless, I cried like a bratty baby when the 
rescue was called-in (John's type of thinking forming a big knot in my 
normally self-sufficient stomach).

Part of my personal route planning now for solo trips includes pro-activity 
with respect to local boating channels, knowledge of flight-path routes, 
out-of-the-way Fishfarm locations, etc. I also have a list of water-taxi 
companies and calling information for bail-out arrangements, and have even 
worked out prices ahead of time, including contingencies, logistics and 
maximum mileage-ranges with possible vendors. This is part of responsible 
paddling. This is part of your responsibility when planning routes. This is 
part of being a mature paddler -- even when we  (well, me anyway) don't want 
to be.

If you do carry a VHF radio, etc, know how to use your equipment. There was 
another incident recently where a rescue needed to be called in, and the 
paddler using her VHF didn't even know how the thing worked. If your one of 
those people, turn it on next time your out on the water and make some 
chit-chat with the local boaters. Try a little sculling with your one free 
arm and paddle, while you work the radio with the other hand.

If you are paddling in truly remote wilderness, work something out ahead of 
time with a for-hire commercial pilot, etc. In Canada, at least, our federal 
and military rescue-available resources are greatly diminished, not to 
mention the fact that pre-arrangement with a private-sector partner laces 
you on the moral high-ground (better have that Visa limit available, too).

Doug Lloyd
Number of CG rescues - 1
Number of Aux. CG rescues - 1
Number of in-water self-rescues - approx. 10 (aka - wet-reentry)
Number of ocean capsize rescues - approx. 100 (aka - Eskimo Roll, excluding 
surf-play)
Number of imminent ocean capsize rescues - very approx. 10,000 (aka - 
bracing)
Victoria BC
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