[clear - refresh] ---THE ETCH-A-SKETCH BLOG--- [created by may]


06/07/2008
It aches to see another of our generation go before his time.

The key issue is personal responsibility. In this case, 2 levels of authority have resulted in an unfortunate decision. The first level would be decision-making by the individual. The second level would then be decision-making by the organisation. When a person errs in making a decision that fails to encompass the important factors, the organisation must have in place a system to weed out such flaws.

It is amazing that this tragedy has actually occurred. The various instances where the sailor's inability to swim was overlooked perplexes me. How can the sailor feel that he can take to the open seas without being able to swim? How can teammates and captains train with the knowledge that amongst them is one who is at the greatest risk should conditions turn untoward? How can it not be mandatory for participants of open-sea sports to have basic water survival skills? How can the association allow such risky participation to take place in the name of enthusiasm for the sport?

So many hows. And there must be more. There must be a knee-jerk reaction to this case. Let Levin Angsana's drowning be the catalyst for change. For change that has not yet removed the scourge of risky dabblings. We cannot stand by and watch as enthusiasm masks the risks. When young minds comes together and peer pressure reigns over the logic, the seniors must make a firm stand. For change that the committee for the cambodian drownings has not yet seen effected. For change of mindsets that will lead to for more sensible and pragmatic requirements.

To those who are in open-sea sports, the ability to swim is without a doubt the most crucial. For those who have neglected this factor, it may be time to jump into the pool to revise those strokes. For those who have neglected the fact that they can't swim, it is time to start learning NOW. There's no time lost from your chosen sport when you're arming yourself with a survival skill. Captains and leaders, the focus must now be on preserving your team. Those who choose to pursue short-term success, it is at your own peril. Train safe and train smart. It is a tragedy when those who sail, wakeboard, canoe, dragonboat do not have the basic weapon against the uncertainty of the water.

Always respect the waters.

wizzing away on 4:37 PM

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