NSW
446 posts
As much as it would damage my 'pride' if you want to call it that, if someone felt it necessary that a chopper should be called, I don't think its a bad thing.
Sure give someone a bit of time before calling for help, but you've gotta remember that it takes a very short while for someone to drown as well(5 minutes without oxygen and you're gone usually).
I'd imagine that its a bit difficult to judge the situation from the shore, and that the person who called the chopper would have done it to err on the side of caution.
Of course the chopper should be kept for emergencies only, but I'm sure they are capable of prioritizing situations to a degree, furthermore once a situation becomes an emergency, if the chopper hasn't already been called the chances of drowning etc. would obviously be higher - it could possibly be too late.
Obviously in your situation there were other rescue alternatives so the chopper should have been the last point of call, which is why its a bit silly.
VIC
1395 posts
Don't get too carried away.
Goldies comments are relevant.
If someone is still swimming, responding and still hanging onto their gear, they are not in trouble. If someone is floating dead in the water, or has dumped their gear and started swimming in (and isn't making progress), then it might constitute an emergency.
However, obviously not everyone can make that call. Especially the casual passerby who knows little of kiteboarding. So in their case, why not, better safe than sorry.
kinda swinging both ways on this.
VIC
1395 posts
i've been hauled in by a fellow kiter when my kite crashed and ....... OMG deflated.....
yep it happens.
was making the swim o.k. but appreciated the help.
