Reggie Smithers ( is my first name) wrote:
The current situation in NYC with everyone pulling together made me think
about boaters and the Good Samaritan Rule. Everyone from pleasure boaters
on a small lake to tankers in the middle of the ocean will go out of their
way to help others.

Whenever I see someone who appears stalled, I will go over to see if I can
help. I have towed people to the marina and have had to be towed before.
What is it that brings people together on the water or together in an
emergency, such as the transit strike in NYC?

The crisis creates a sense of community.

Same as when we boat- we know that the difference between an successful
and happy day on the water and blowing up an engine to require a tow or
even getting into a jam where a rescue is involved can be slight at
times and maybe even a question of luck.

When we encounter somebody whose luck has run out, we try to assist
that part of the community. I think we do so because we know its the
right thing to do and because we also sense that a strong community
will be better able to come to our aid if the tables are ever turned.