A lesson everyone needs to learn ...

[aspeck]

We have had a fair amount of rain lately and the rivers in our area are running a little high and swift. Not too high, however for kayakers, canoers, and tubers. Yesterday, a younger member of our local FD decided to take a trip down the Juniata River on his kayak. He left at noon and by nightfall his mother was going crazy! He had not come back, his vehicle was still parked where it was at noon, and he was not answering his cell phone (his mom and several of his firefighting brothers tried to get in touch with him). At 9:15pm, in the dark, we launched several boats to begin searching the Juniata for him. The police, 3 fire departments, and the PA Fish Commission were involved in the search. 1 1/2 hours later he was found ... at his girlfriend's home.

We are glad he was safe (from the river, not from his mother), but a bit miffed that he put our lives in danger, and not sure why he wouldn't answer a phone. Bottom line is this, when you are out on the water, leave a tentative float plan with someone ... even if it is a simple as telling (text, call, email, or in person) that you are going out, where you are launching, and approximately when you will return. Then, upon your return, CALL THEM! Let them know you have safely returned. I know he would be upset if during the search a boat overturned in the swift water and someone was injured or killed.

PLEASE, LEAVE A FLOAT PLAN WITH SOMEONE RESPONSIBLE, AND REPORT YOUR RETURN!

Thank-you ... rant over. Firefighter 624, out.

 

[brian4321]

I agree 100 percent. At the time it may not seem like a big deal to the "missing" person, but they do have the responsibility of letting their loved ones know that they had a change of plans. With today's phone systems , it's not hard at all to do so.
Having said that , I am guilty of a few gray hairs on my mother's head.... Even though it was before smartphones , I'm still not proud of them.
I absolutely understand why you and the rest of the rescue team were miffed