I can’t look away...

[hardee]

This is really an interesting thread.

I have worked with SAR services in multiple scenarios, both volunteer and paid. Most cases were hikers or climbers, but since I got my C-Dory, I have volunteered in lots of different organized rowing and paddling events. I have seen some really scary "vessels" but most every time the owner is proud of it and considers it capable of the duty. Some I would not have boarded, ever, and some seemed certifiably crazy to be in the activity. I'm a firm believer in experience and that good planning can yeild good experience(s), and those who fail in planning sometimes get lucky, and sometimes not.

Experience, good or bad can be a good teacher, if we survive. I am also a believer in that those who do not plan well, and don't do well should have some responsibility to those who have to go out and drag their buts home so the doer can "produce" their UTube product or get their face on the 6PM news. Many of the SAR units are not tax-paid and often provide their own equipment and supplies.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[BillE]

Oh I don't think that anyone here is saying that they should not have been allowed to go. Yes, it's their lives and their decisions, they are free to do as they wish. Just as we are free to criticize their decision, and the trend to do stupid dangerous stunts for the sake of youtube fame and fortune.

 

[thataway]

Presently SPOT, In Reach & Sat phones do create the problem of to many having them be Plan A, if dream turns to nightmare, instead of good planning & execution in the full filling of dreams. I would not be against the use of these service plans to require a insurance policy, that payed for being rescued, but foremost feel to either risk ones own life or when to end it, the most fundamental individual right of all.

.

There are a number of global rescue services and medical services available. Some are available thru Spot or InReach, and many are supplements to the private insurances. It is always wise to have extraction/medical services, even when we use our C Dorys even in the USA. For example at the emergency at Lake Powell, the emergency service insurance paid for the Helicopter, transport by airplane, and getting the patient and his wife home eventually. In many countries SAR is not free as it is in the USA.

Some communities may send a bill for services involving SAR.

I agree with Jay that we all have the right to make our own decisions about our lives--but do have to think about the "cost" or "risk" to others. Just carrying a Personal Locator Beacon is always wise, because it not only assures the notifications of authorities anywhere in the World, but saves a lot of time (and risk) in the search process. There is an argument that Spot or InReach offer more "service" and I see them as a supplement, rather than a replacement for a EPRIB or PLB.

 

[Hunkydory]

Oh I don't think that anyone here is saying that they should not have been allowed to go. Yes, it's their lives and their decisions, they are free to do as they wish. Just as we are free to criticize their decision, and the trend to do stupid dangerous stunts for the sake of youtube fame and fortune.

Bill, this subject has come up many times in the past 14 years I’ve been a C-Brat member, not as much as twins vs single, but still well discussed with many assuredly saying this kind of activity & much less hazardous should be restricted. It hasn’t in the past here been a consensus that it is their lives & their decisions to make on how dangerous the enterprise, like we & maybe the majority feel it should be. I don’t have a problem at all with people sharing their concerns & knowledgeable critique of mine & others adventures, especially those that could evolve possible rescue or others endangerment. What I don’t like & what I’ve have strongly resisted in the past & will continue to so is the right for me & others to do things that some feel should be restricted due to their feeling it’s putting the SAR personnel at risk. I feel there are plenty of arm chair quarter backs, SAR personnel & just plain hall monitor types, that would put in all kinds of restrictions if given the opportunity, not just critique the doing. What actually surprised me the most about the video in question was the lack of restrictions put on the two brothers as they made the voyage across the overseer of multiple countries. This made me think that my own concern about over control of these types of adventures is possibly overblown.