I think most of us were lucky to survive being a teenager and early twentysomething. I didn't shoot the rapids, but benign canoeing on a calm lake can become dangerous when you and your buddies have three 12-packs of beer.
Yes, lucky to be alive.
Benign canoeing on a lake can be dangerous even if you aren't drinking! I was canoe-camping on Lake George, a lifetime ago, in the fall. After spending the night camping on one of the islands, we loaded up and headed for shore. The clouds that morning were ominous and the wind made 3 foot waves on the lake. Our stuff was tied in the canoe but we had no life jackets. I was mightily glad to reach the shore! A few years later a friend's son was killed on that lake. His canoe had overturned and, as he held onto the bow, a wave brought the canoe up and then down into his forehead. Broken neck. I have a real healthy respect for ALL bodies of water and would never go onto any one of them without a life jacket! You're right.....I am glad to have survived my youth and early adulthood.