Reflections from the Cockpit November 2007
"Safety In Numbers? "
I had the pleasure of sitting in on a lecture about rescues at the West Coast Sea kayak Symposium in Port Townsend Washington in September. During the lecture I heard an all to familiar phrase “safety in numbers.” Later that weekend I heard a participant tell me he always paddles in a group, because there is “safety in numbers”. While I can appreciate the concept that numbers can potentially bring more resources, I have never been very comfortable with the concept of safety in numbers.
I am not suggesting that people shouldn’t paddle in groups. I am saying, one should not get a false sense of security by thinking that the group will help them. If you were paddling with three of your friends that depended totally on assisted recoveries, what would you do if all of you capsized due to the same gust of wind?
Before one can say there is safety in numbers, I think it is important to define what is meant by safety. I am sure each of us will have our own definition. If I were to surround myself by a number of paddlers that I felt could help me, here would be my criteria for those paddlers:
Proficient in assisted and solo capsize recoveries
Proficient in emergency rescues (Scoop & Hand of God)
Proficient in first aid
Sound judgment
Strong paddlers
Towing proficiency
Rough water proficiency and experience
Properly equipped (rescue gear, radio, tow rope, extra paddle, etc)
Dressed for immersion
Positive outlook
Fun company
Reliable
Punctual
Imagine having a group of paddlers all possessing these traits. Would you think you now had safety in numbers? I would love to have a group of paddlers with these traits as my regular paddling partners. However, I know from experience that there are conditions that can occur that can put you into a position of being alone even though you are in a group. That is why I am such an advocate for self-sufficiency. I often refer to a favorite quote I heard about whitewater paddling, “It is a solo sport you should never do alone.” When conditions get real difficult, will you be able to count on the group? “A group is as strong as its weakest link.” If this quote is true, then the safety in numbers is as strong as the weakest paddler.
I hope you can see where I am heading with this concept. I don’t think it is fair to transfer the responsibility of your well being onto the members of the group. By assuming the group will help you, you are really saying, “my well being is the group’s responsibility.” In truth, your well being is completely your responsibility. Just because you are in a group, it does NOT mean that help from the group will be available if and when you need it. I find the safety in numbers concept an attitude that breeds being unprepared.
When I go out on the water, I go with a sense of self-sufficiency. When I travel with a group, I first ask myself if I can handle the conditions in which we are planning to travel. If yes, then I think about what I can bring to be an asset to the group. I also look at the strengths and weaknesses of the other group members, if I know them. Then I ask myself, “Do I want to be in the expected conditions with these paddlers?” The last thing I want is a group of liabilities. If I don’t know the group I start asking lots of questions.
When you are trying to move up the skill ladder to the next level of paddling, it is best to go out with those already at that level. Before you go with that group, I feel you have a responsibility to tell them you are not at their level and then ask if it would be OK to join them. I would also indicate your current skill level, in detail, to the group members. If they decide they want to take on the extra responsibility (your lesser experience), then you will have a chance to gain more experience. I will be honest and say that the real world rarely works this way. In truth, many groups are usually loosely formed with the group members being casual about who is paddling with them. This is why groups get in trouble. The group thinks there is safety in numbers when in fact it may turn out to be liability in numbers.
When you paddle in a group, take responsibility for your own safety and well being, rather than thinking it is the responsibility of the group to do so. In addition, I suggest you take the time to really know who is in your group. So, is there safety in numbers? I think the best we can say is, “A well trained group is better prepared than an untrained group.” Individually you can strengthen a group by asking, “What do I need to do to be an asset to the group?”
Wayne Horodowich
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