"Steve Cramer" wrote in message
...
riverman wrote:

The definition of 'reasonable precautions' is vague, but mutually
recognized by people with experience, and in the lack of details we must
look at the guide's qualifications to determine if he was qualified to
assess what was 'reasonable'. It sounds like the guide was well-qualified
to lead this type of trip, had done it many times before, and in this
case, as sometimes happens, a series of unfortunate events resulted in
two students' deaths.

14 y.o. beginners, open tandem canoe, no immersion clothing, paddling open
58-60 degree water, on a day with high off-shore winds forecast. It takes
a very kind heart to find "reasonable" in that, and I appreciate your
trying, but it's hard for me to do so.


Appreciated, but look at it this way: A small group of 14 y.o. adventurous,
enthusiatic and well-discipled paddlers who were in the midst of an
expedition that emphasized resposibile actions and teamwork, unloaded tandem
boat accompanied by 4 kayaks and a motorized pontoon boat, clear skies, camp
only a few miles away, an entire shore-based network who knew your
minute-by-minute itinerary and expected you to be on the Island that night,
well stocked food and water supplies, everything had been running like
clockwork for 4 days, and one small open-water crossing to be made.

That was the situation when they set out that morning. Situations
deteriorate; it doesn't imply negligence.

--riverman