Obligation to Warn...
 

Wenatchee's Tumwater Canyon is definitely a notch above the lower Yough. It
is actually pretty nice this time of year, but it has garnered its
reputation during the early summer run off when it is big and full of push.
It is still a solid IV.

Though the craft here were not specified I'd assume they'd most likely be
vinyl pool toys or similiar. There are not rental services that rent
equipment for this section of the river, though there may be for the lower
section.

This lower section has also had unskilled deaths - as I recall the case
involved a canoe wrapped on a bridge pylon. The victim was trapped by the
wrap. She did survive and I believe is one of the longest time under water
cases on record.

-Doug

"padlnjones" wrote in message
...
Bobo wrote:


I've often been in a situation where I encounter rafters, tubers, or
other kayakers who seem unprepared or unfamiliar with the river that
they are about to go down. In these situations, do you believe you
have an obligation to warn them or give them unsolicited advice not to
continue; or do you paddle downstream as far as possible to get away
from the impending tragedy? I've had this discussion with a paddling
buddy before and it's his belief that we keep our mouths shut unless
asked.



When I come across people obviously ignorant of their situation, or in
over their heads, I always paddle up to talk to them about the dangers
downstream, even suggesting they take off the river if that seems
appropriate to me under the circumstances...I have found most people to
be receptive to well meaning advice, especially if they are scared, or
realize their predicament...Usually I try to keep an eye on such folks
while I am paddling, sometimes even asking them if they want to join our
group...

It's amazing how many times "friends" will get someone in over their
head and just ignore them, or enjoy seeing them get trashed. On a
related note, I was at the Lower Yock last weekend (2.1 and 2.8) and saw
MANY duckies getting nuked at Double Hydraulic and River's End, not to
mention Dimple)...the potential for injury was high, IMO, but the
customers could have had no way to know what they were in for...it was
the outfitters that rented the boats that were responsible as I saw it

david blumberg
greenville, sc

--
"freshness, and a deep joy, are signs of the current....." Rumi