[NC_Libertarian]

Who gets to determine what activities are too dangerous to warrant help if you get in trouble?

Should white water rafting be allowed? Sky diving? Pleasure boating? Hiking through the woods?

Should we appoint a government commission?

[cynicalman]

Should white water rafting be allowed? Sky diving? Pleasure boating? Hiking through the woods?

White water rafting-- no rescue

sky diving-- no rescue

Pleasure boating--Limited rescue

Hiking through the woods

rescure only if on a well defined trail

Next activity!!

[cva66snipe]

Should white water rafting be allowed? Sky diving? Pleasure boating? Hiking through the woods?

Let's see white water rafting? Wear lifejackets and this is usually done in groups experienced in getting a person out of the water. Sky diving? DUH! How many second chances there? Pleasure boating? Life jackets and anyone can pull you out. Hiking in the woods? I think a person getting lost should pay for the rescue or serve time on a team in payback. If you use some common sense in hiking it is about the most safest recreation activity.

Now climbing a mountain is another story. You are dealing with many life threatening and variable conditions. Weather, gear, snow banks, and your general physical condition. You should not expect another person to risk their lives for your high risk recreation activities.

[Lois]

Seems I have a vague memory of an auto racing driver getting lost while in a national park. He was on a snow mobile. I believe he got fined and charged for the cost of the rescue team. I've also heard of other folks getting charged, and rightfully so, for their rescues.

[Valpal1]

I think that they should be required to provide proof of "rescue insurance". What, no insurance, no climbing permit.

I think people can engage in high-risk activity all they want, as long as they can afford the consequences of their risk taking.

I'm willing even to give out "no rescue" permits. You don't want to buy insurance, well then, don't expect a tax funded rescue operations.

[Atlas Sneezed]

Who gets to determine what activities are too dangerous to warrant help if you get in trouble? Should white water rafting be allowed? Sky diving? Pleasure boating? Hiking through the woods?

Simple. Require rescue insurance to be purchased. Just like driving a car, you are penalized if caught without the tag. Penalties would be comparable to hunting without a license. Hunters comply, and so could back-country hikers, rafters, mountain climbers, etc.

I like the notion that if you stick to established trails and navigable waterways when there are no weather alerts, you are fine.

Of course, the libertarian in me has concerns, but it can all be handled privately, as can enforcement.