I normally do not judge the actions or reasons that someone took that resulted in us having to rescue them . I know the risks and accept them without hesitation, but in this case the follow-up story has me slightly miffed today .

FNP Story - No Regrets

Some people never learn, including me , because I would be right back there getting their sorry butts out of the river if the need arose.

Pete

Darwin was foiled this time, thanks to the rescuers. The wife should take out a big life insurance policy on her husband and think twice next time about calling 911.


"He had no remorse for putting anyone else in danger and did not comprehend that he was lucky to be alive," according to the report.

Kingsbury asked a trooper to go back to the river to look for the cooler, which held his cellphone.

The trooper "informed him that due to the raging waters and the danger they pose to anyone that ventures near them, no attempt would be made to locate his cooler."




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Maybe someone needs to nominate these two for a Darwin Award in advance, then explain in small words what the Darwin Award is for. If that doesn't wake them up, then take away the Wife's cell phone so she Can't call the police next time.
Just my opinion.

Quite often statements about rescuers "risking their own lives" are exaggerated and a bit hyperbolic, but that is not the case with swift water rescue, which can turn deadly very quickly. This is especially the case with strainers, the situation in which these gentlemen found themselves. These guys are blissfully ignorant, and evidently unteachable.

Are swift water situations deadly? When I was actively doing SAR, drowning, usually in flash floods, was the second leading cause of death, only behind "falling from height". This was in the Sonoran Desert, centered around Tucson, Arizona. We had seven fatalities in one flood on one Sunday afternoon.

Has anyone actually explained to these middle aged crisis Walmart shopping Bear Grylls inspired adventurers that Cliff Jumping is actually more exciting than White Water Rafting



Perhaps you might be allowed to club them over the head, get them stuffed and mounted over the fireplace next time after reeling them in.

I deleted my post,you know how I feel about it.

Pete, your frustration is perfectly understandable. The actions of these individuals are appalling and clearly dangerous to themselves and others.

But let me say that I respect and applaud your willingness to go out and help them again, regardless of whether they seem deserving. This speaks eloquently of your professionalism and personal dedication. Bravo.

I can't say it any better. I really admire you guys, Pete. If ever there was an example of heroes, you're it!

Big Ditto!!!

An updated story from today's paper:

FNP Story - No Legal or Financial Charges

Pete