tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7387709151105932262.post6604833365194987247..comments2023-10-24T05:06:42.936+11:00Comments on writing whims and ocean swims: The dangers of the surf on the Gold Coast: the death of a young surf life saver at Kurrawa BeachShaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367222807939693847noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7387709151105932262.post-14904458007992256962012-04-02T19:29:53.647+10:002012-04-02T19:29:53.647+10:00Hi Shayne. Yes, I've seen the parents have pub...Hi Shayne. Yes, I've seen the parents have publicly stated they don't blame the surf lifesaving organizers. It’s a brave thing to do. While I, and my kids, recognise there is inherent risk in ocean swimming and surf lifesaving sport, I don’t know how I’d react if one of them was to drown. I hope some sanity prevails, and that reasoned heads are able to examine the facts to determine what steps (if any) can be taken to minimize this sort of tragedy from happening again. My personal feeling is that the ocean is such an unpredictable environment (that’s why we love it) there isn’t much that can be done to completely prevent these tragedies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7387709151105932262.post-37195402196111779042012-03-31T11:19:49.367+11:002012-03-31T11:19:49.367+11:00Since I wrote this post Matthew's parents have...Since I wrote this post Matthew's parents have said they blame no one for the tragedy.<br /><br />I totally agree with you - I do ocean swims with people who relish the tougher conditions. <br /><br />I sign a waiver for every swim I do. I understand the risks and it's my choice on the day.Shaynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13367222807939693847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7387709151105932262.post-40925244522562265712012-03-30T20:36:26.797+11:002012-03-30T20:36:26.797+11:00I’ll admit, I’m perplexed by some of the responses...I’ll admit, I’m perplexed by some of the responses I’ve been hearing regarding this incident. Like you, I wasn’t there, so don’t know the full details<br /><br />However, I’ve been involved in swimming and surf lifesaving sport all my life. Now, my kids are involved. Of course, there is risk inherent in surf lifesaving competition, just as there is in any sport. That is a large part of its appeal.<br /><br />Competitors love to test themselves – and the bigger the surf, the more they’re able to test their skills. <br /><br />Unfortunately, you will never be able to totally eliminate these incidents from occurring. That doesn't mean steps shouldn’t be taken to minimise risk, and I guess that’s what will be debated. That said, most competitors I’ve talked to (my kids included) are opposed to wearing helmets. But, if they change the rules, then of course we will comply.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com