Bradford R. Crain wrote: > I'm finding it curious that debate is occurring about whether commercial > kayaking outfits should require clients to demonstrate ability to do a > wet exit before setting out. There is however no mention of requiring that > clients demonstrate the ability to swim, or even to tread water, or speak > English, or be in good health. Yes, isn't that an illustration of the extent to which discussion (and action) on safety matters is driven by litigation, real or potential? Some of our debate is focused purposefully on what an outfitter can do to protect her clients or his own company, from the real hazards. But a good bit is directed at what is "legally defensible," or "insurable," maybe not in so many words, but those concerns certainly underlie much of the thinking I have been reading. Maybe the cure here is to move all paddling instruction to a country where litigation in the event of a fatality is not so likely. Ba-dump! Hit the triangle Charley, and move on to the bridge, we're outta here after the chorus! Somebody has to be the heretic, here. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sat Jun 16 2007 - 09:15:13 PDT
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