tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20629163.post7217060226689989936..comments2023-05-24T03:14:39.889-05:00Comments on "Live from the Coroner's Office": I stand by my opinion, but will air othersDr. Richard Kellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11307076697112567697noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20629163.post-77184444117774323132010-02-18T13:57:31.623-06:002010-02-18T13:57:31.623-06:00Dr. Keller,
Thank you for taking the time to voi...Dr. Keller, <br /><br />Thank you for taking the time to voice your opinion about kayaking safety. Kayaking is a wonderful sport that I have enjoyed all my life with my family and friends. Unfortunately, I have lost dear kayakers who were my close friends. I encourage like you have for people to understand the risks and have a basic knowledge of safety measures to help prevent these tragedies. <br /><br />I work for Outdoorplay.com - a kayaking shop. We offer a variety of dvds and books for paddlers to learn. I am not trying to make a sales pitch here but more let paddlers know there are educational material available for them to read and learn. <br /><br />Again, thank you for bringing to light the importance for all kayakers to know safety basics. <br /><br />Happy Paddles, <br /><br />Alexa<br />Outdoorplay.comAlexahttp://www.outdoorplay.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20629163.post-52427565109607898542008-06-10T16:29:00.000-05:002008-06-10T16:29:00.000-05:00Safety, training and the promoting the practice of...Safety, training and the promoting the practice of safe sea kayaking are a priority for the Chicago Area Sea Kayakers Association. As vice president of CASKA, representing a large membership of responsible paddlers, I want to let you know that many paddlers are working hard to promote safe paddling and access to Lake Michigan. CASKA has sponsored safe paddling outreach to the paddling community, sporting goods retailers and park districts. <BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/> I was disappointed to to read your quote in the Daily Herald, "We've seen certainly more than one kayaker from Lake Michigan," Keller said. "With the conditions in that lake, it is certainly not a good place for kayaking." I find this troubling because this quote can be used as an argument to deny access to Lake Michigan to kayakers. Now there is public record of a local doctor saying that kayaking on Lake Michigan is a bad idea. Obviously there is inherent danger in any water sport and any body of water. And special precaution are required to safe guard against sudden violent weather and colder water temperature even in June. But Lake Michigan is lethal just as say, Chain-o-Lakes where there is a higher density of speedboats and alcohol. <BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/> Several paddling organizations have worked together to gain access to Lake Michigan launch sites. I would really hate to see any or our efforts jeopordized. Additionally I would like to invite you to participate in discussions on or blog. This can be found at http://caskaorg.typepad.com/. Also we have created an online safety center at http://www.caska.org/safety.htm. Of course we would be happy to provide any safe paddling info to distribute thru your network and online blog. <BR/><BR/> <BR/><BR/>Thank you for your time and consideration,Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20629163.post-17275738390129655362008-06-10T15:56:00.000-05:002008-06-10T15:56:00.000-05:00Dr. Keller,Thank you for your efforts to prevent d...Dr. Keller,<BR/>Thank you for your efforts to prevent drowning. I too am an avid kayaker [and surfer] on the Michigan side of Lake Michigan. I completely agree with the comments of the paddlesport instructor. <BR/><BR/>With the lack of lifeguards at most of our municipal beaches I feel it is important for all kayakers [surfers, kitesurfers, fishermen etc...] to have basic rescue skills to help prevent these tragedies.<BR/><BR/>A group of Great Lake surfers is working to educate other surfers in rescue techniques. We [as well as kayakers] are often in the water and around piers and break-walls during high surf. Several of our group have made dramatic rescues of civilians. Our website is:<BR/><BR/>http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/GLSA_RESCUE/<BR/><BR/>We are looking to expand this education to kayaking groups, kitesurfers and other water users. <BR/>Please join us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com